FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have suspended further steps in the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) electoral process as they move to Abuja to assess the deepening crisis in Nigerian football.

The development comes amid reports that FIFA and the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by its Chairman, Shehu Dikko, and Director-General, Bukola Olopade, had reached an agreement on proposed football reforms.

FIFA, however, said no such conclusion had been reached.

In an email dated September 7 and addressed to Barrister Emmanuel Ikpeme, FIFA’s Chief Member Associations Officer, Elkhan Mammadov, said, “FIFA and CAF are currently assessing the legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications arising from the current circumstances within the NFF.

“This assessment requires a careful review of the relevant facts, the applicable NFF regulatory framework and the positions communicated by the various stakeholders concerned.”

Mammadov added: “At this stage, FIFA and CAF have not reached any conclusions regarding the matters under review and no determination has been made with respect to any potential next steps.”

FIFA also recognised Ikpeme as Deputy General Secretary, rather than Acting General Secretary, and requested that he remain the primary point of contact between the NFF, FIFA and CAF, instead of the NSC, until further notice.

The world football governing body further requested that the ongoing electoral process be suspended, with no further steps or decisions taken until the assessment is completed.

FIFA said, “This request is made in order to preserve the status quo while FIFA and CAF complete their assessment of the current situation and engage with the relevant stakeholders.

“It should not be interpreted as a determination regarding the validity of any decisions, actions, processes, positions or interpretations advanced by any stakeholder in relation to the current FIFA Statutes.”

FIFA and CAF also announced plans for a joint assessment mission to Abuja.

“In addition, FIFA and CAF intend to conduct a joint assessment mission to Abuja, Nigeria, at the earliest possible opportunity,” the statement said.

“The purpose of this mission will be to engage with the relevant stakeholders and gather the information necessary to enable FIFA and CAF to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the situation.”

The mission will involve representatives of the NFF administration, NFF members, the NFF electoral bodies and the Federal Government, including the NSC.

FIFA said, “We would appreciate your support in coordinating the logistical arrangements for the mission and facilitating the organisation of the above-mentioned meetings with the relevant stakeholders.”

It added: “The mission will allow FIFA and CAF to better understand the circumstances surrounding the recent developments within the NFF, the views of the various stakeholders and any issues that may require further consideration under the applicable FIFA, CAF and NFF regulatory framework.”

FIFA said that after completing the assessment, it would determine whether recommendations or proposals should be submitted to the appropriate decision-making bodies within FIFA and CAF.

The organisation stressed that the outcome remained open, with no final position yet taken on Nigeria’s football reforms or the next steps in the NFF crisis. ((The Sun)