Dalung Rebukes “Corrupt” NFF, Orders Probe Into Federation’s Finances

This is coming after the world football governing body, FIFA, stopped its $1.1 million development funds to Nigeria for lack of proper documentation of $802,000 out of the funds released to the NFF.

The federation had since insisted that there were no distortions and that ‘the minister was clearly misinformed about the activities of the NFF board’.

Dalung made this revelation when he declared open the 72nd Annual General Assembly (AGM) of the NFF, in Lagos on Sunday.

“It is worthy of mention that the delay in the payment of the Super Falcons entitlements which degenerated into a national embarrassment could have been averted if the NFF effectively managed the situation,” disclosed Dalung.

“The NFF has formed the habit of requesting for funds for its programme at very short notice and thereafter resort to blackmail to hasten the approval and release of such funds from government. We cannot continue to administer our football in this manner any longer.”

He further directed the Glass House to submit a comprehensive information of receipt and disbursement of the FIFA annual grant to the Ministry of Youth and Sports by January.

“According to a report, Fifa has withheld all development funds to Nigeria for lack of proper documentation of $802,000 out of the funds released to NFF,” said Dalung.

“This is a very serious issue that must be given urgent attention to avoid another international embarrassment.

“Even more so that the present administration under the leadership of Mr. President, His Excellency, Mohammadu Buhari has zero tolerance for any act of misappropriation, misapplication, embezzlement or fraud in any guise.

“To this end, the NFF is directed to immediately provide my office with detail information of receipt, disbursement and application of the Fifa development grant accordingly.

“In addition, a reputable audit firm should be appointed urgently to check the account books of the federation to ensure that funds are judiciously expended.

“The audit report must be made public so as to promote transparency, build credibility and enhance your market value.”

Rising from the AGM meeting the NFF released a statement its congress is satisfied with the initial audit carried out by international firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers.

The statement reads in part: “The audited account of the Federation for the year, as audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers, an internationally reputable audit firm, was presented and adopted at the General Assembly.”