The National Association of Nigeria Footballers (NANF) can reveal that there are very strong indications that the FIFA COVID 19 palliative paid to the NFF between the month of May and June 2020 may have been allegedly Diverted. In a cover-up, the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) may have also applied for a $2m interest free loan from FIFA to replace the alleged Diverted FIFA palliative funds. FIFA recently approved non-interest loans of a maximum of $5m for its affiliate members in which terms and conditions apply. It would be recalled that FIFA in a circular number 1715 to affiliate members dated 24th April 2020 approved Immediate relief to its members, FIFA immediately followed this circular up by remitting $2m to the Nigeria Football Federation early in the month of May and June 2020 in two tranches. FIFA in its circular was very clear and unambiguous that “Operational cost entitlement for 2019 and 2020 should be used to mitigate the Financial impact of COVID -19 on Football in member Associations.”’ In an arranged internal memo dated 15-5-2020 from the General Secretary of the NFF to NFF president Amaju Pinnick the FIFA 24th April 2020 circular instruction to the NFF was turned on its head and brazenly violated. The General secretary proposed to Amaju Pinnick to approve the Disbursement of $1.5m FIFA COVID -19 palliative fund against the instruction of FIFA. Dr. Sanusi made a very ridiculous proposal to the extent of drawing and paying NFF staff salaries in advance until December 2020. The internal memo titled “” REQUEST FOR PERMISSION TO UTILISE THE FIFA GRANT TO NFF” listed 15 Items for which the money would be utilized this was at the height of COVD 19 Pandemic when there is no football activity in Nigeria even as we speak today there is still no football activity in Nigeria to warrant such Disbursement. In the light of the above, the NANF is giving the Amaju Pinnick Led NFF Board 7 working Days ultimatum to pay all Beneficiaries the FIFA COVID 19 Palliative fund. The funds according to FIFA is to immediately cushion the effects of the COVID 19 pandemic it is not a post-COVID 19 palliative. Nigeria professional clubs, players, and other football bodies are groaning under the effect of the COVID 19 pandemic. The NANF shall deploy very stern measures to ensure compliance after its ultimatum.
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