The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Malam Shehu Dikko, has explained why Congo national football team was listed among teams for the playoff round despite Nigeria’s protest over the qualification process.

Speaking on the sidelines of a football tournament marking International Women’s Day, organised by FAME Foundation on Friday in Abuja, Dikko said the listing by FIFA does not imply that the case has been decided, stressing that the matter is still undergoing review by the relevant authorities.

According to him, the football governing body operates a legal process where teams are presumed innocent until a final decision is reached.

“If you go to the court of law, they say you are presumed innocent until proven otherwise. All the processes are ongoing, and the judge has not made a decision yet,” he said.

Dikko explained that the dispute has been referred to an independent adjudicating body within FIFA’s structure, which will determine whether Nigeria’s complaint has merit.

He noted that while Congo has been listed among the participating teams in the playoff, the final decision will depend on the outcome of the legal process.

He also clarified that such cases are not decided directly by FIFA’s administrative office but by independent committees set up to handle disciplinary and eligibility disputes.

“It is not FIFA’s duty directly. They have independent bodies that deal with these issues, and we must wait for the final pronouncement,” he said.

According to him, Nigeria has already filed its complaint and believes it has a case, but the outcome will ultimately depend on the adjudicating panel’s decision.

Dikko added that until a final ruling is delivered, football authorities and teams involved must continue preparations as scheduled while awaiting the decision. (The Guardian)

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