Governing Bodies

FLASHBACK: FIFA FINES NIGERIA FOR WITHDRAWAL FROM WORLD CUP

Published

5 years ago

July 20, 2020

BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

On this date, 20 July 1965, the World football governing body, FIFA slammed a 5,000 Swiss Francs on Nigeria for a sudden withdrawal from the 1966 World Cup which finals took place in England.

In the preliminary competition, Nigeria along with 14 other African teams entered. At the time, both Africa and Asia had one joint slot at the World Cup. The winner of the continental series in Africa was to face that of Asia to be able to qualify for the final tournament.

While Africa had 15 entries, Asia had just two who were to contest with Australia from Oceania and South Africa, which opted for the zone on political ground.

FIFA reasoned that the half allocation to both Asia and Africa was occasioned by the fact that the two continents did not have teams that qualified for Sweden 1958 and Chile 1962.

***Letter written to the NFA after withdrawal from 1966 World Cup***

The 15 teams in Africa were divided into six groups of either two or three teams.

Nigeria was grouped with Libya and United Arab Republic (Egypt/Syria) in Group 6.

The six group winners were to move into round two with the following pairings: Group 1 to face Group 5 while Group 2 winners were to face that of Group 4.

The Nigeria’s group winner was to face the eventual champion of Group 3, which had Algeria, Liberia and Tunisia.

But the matches did not hold in Africa following a mass boycott. First to withdraw on 17 August 1964 were Morocco and Ethiopia.

Then on 21 September 1964, the quartet of Guinea, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia joined. On 8 October 1964, South Africa, based on protest to FIFA by Egypt (then UAR), was also thrown out.

It was on that day that Nigeria and all the remaining African countries announced their withdrawal from participating in the World Cup 1966 qualifiers.

Also, Syria, which had pulled out of an earlier political union of UAR withdrew from Europe Group 9 where it was to compete.

Asia’s four teams had their fair share of controversy too.

The league-styled games were to be played on a neutral ground, Japan.

South Africa was banned by FIFA on account of apartheid policy.

That left three teams to contest. South Korea also withdrew when the tournament was moved from Japan to Cambodia.

On account of North Korea not having diplomatic relationship with most Asian countries, it was difficult finding a suitable country to host the tournament until North Korean leader, Kim II-Sung convinced his Cambodian ally to host the matches.

That left only Australia and North Korea to play in duels easily won by North Korea.

For the final round, North Korea were to play the three final group winners from Africa on home and away basis with the winning side of the quartet qualifying for England ’66.

Because of the withdrawal of the African teams, North Korea qualified automatically.

FIFA, in its reaction to the boycotts, fined the boycotting countries including Nigeria.

In the letter sent to Nigeria and dated 20 July 1965, FIFA stated that Nigeria breached the competition’s regulations by withdrawing after the preliminary competition had started.

The NFA was given a deadline of 31 December 1965 to pay the fine.

Governing Bodies

Akwa Ibom sports ministry begins state-wide sports assets inventory

Published

1 month ago

August 4, 2025

Kunle Solaja

The Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Sports has commenced a comprehensive inventory of all sports infrastructure across the state, following a directive from Governor Umo Eno at a recent State Executive Council meeting in Uyo.

The initiative aims to enhance safety, ensure proper maintenance, and assess the viability of facilities for possible upgrades or replacements.

Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, emphasized that the inventory is crucial to sustaining the state’s reputation as Nigeria’s sports tourism centre.

Key facilities under review include the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo Township Stadium, Eket Stadium, Olympic-size swimming pool, Arise Park sports facilities, Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre sports facilities Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium, West Itam Sports Centre and various sports centres and academies.

He noted that Akwa Ibom remains the only Nigerian state with a stadium certified by both CAF and FIFA for international football matches, attributing this to the state’s strong maintenance culture — a legacy the current administration seeks to expand under the Arise Agenda.

During the recent Town Hall meeting in Eket, the Governor engaged the sports commissioner on the functional state of facilities at the Eket Stadium and asked him to report back to Exco as soon as possible, as directed.

“Akwa Ibom State has been Nigeria’s sports tourism centre for some years now, and Governor Umo Bassey is determined to maintain the status quo as we have seen in his administration’s resolve in maintaining sports infrastructure and facilities across the state.

“The fact that Godswill Akpabio International Stadium is the only stadium in Nigeria that meets CAF and FIFA standards for hosting international football matches is a testament to the maintenance culture of past and present administrations in the state.

As outlined in the Arise Agenda of the governor, we are committed to extending the maintenance culture to all sports infrastructure and facilities in Akwa Ibom State.

“The comprehensive compilation and sports assets inventory exercise is a step towards repositioning and ensuring proper maintenance of sports infrastructure and facilities while promoting and marketing our state as a sports tourism destination”.

The initiative is expected to support strategic planning for future sports development and enhance the state’s capacity to host local and international sporting events.

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Governing Bodies

FIFA President Infantino Tours Historic Chefchaouen During Private Visit to Morocco

Published

2 months ago

July 30, 2025

Kunle Solaja

FIFA President Gianni Infantino was reportedly spotted in the picturesque hillside town of Chefchaouen in northern Morocco, as part of a private visit to the country.

Infantino, accompanied by family members, toured the famous blue-painted alleys of the town’s medina (market) and visited the central square, Outa El Hammam.

Morocco World News reports that local sources revealed that the FIFA president received a detailed briefing on Chefchaouen’s architectural significance and its place in Moroccan cultural history.

He also posed for photos with residents and praised the town’s beauty and warm hospitality.

The FIFA chief’s appearance in Chefchaouen comes on the heels of an earlier family stop at Taghazout Bay, a coastal resort near Agadir.

Although his trip has been officially described as personal, Infantino’s presence in Morocco has drawn public interest, especially in light of the country’s growing prominence in world football.

Morocco is preparing to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and is one of the three co-hosts of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, alongside Spain and Portugal.

Major infrastructure and stadium upgrades are currently underway across Moroccan host cities in preparation for the tournaments.

Earlier last week, Infantino was in Rabat for the official opening of FIFA’s new Regional Development Office for North and West Africa.

Situated adjacent to the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé, the new office will coordinate FIFA programmes throughout the sub-region.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe and the President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Fouzi Lekjaa. The event was described as a landmark in FIFA’s ongoing collaboration with Moroccan football authorities.

Morocco has emerged as a key player in international football, thanks to its sustained investment in youth development, world-class facilities, and capacity to host major tournaments.

Infantino has previously highlighted the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maamoura as a model for football development worldwide.

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Governing Bodies

FIFA President Hails Reconstructed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium as Symbol of Modern Morocco

Published

2 months ago

July 28, 2025

Kunle Solaja

FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Sunday paid a visit to the newly reconstructed Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, describing it as one of the most modern and innovative stadiums in world football.

Infantino was accompanied on the inspection tour by the President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), Fouzi Lekjaa. The FIFA chief commended Morocco’s commitment to sports infrastructure development, noting that the stadium reflects the country’s ambitions to position itself as a global football hub.

“A football stadium today is much more than just a place to play football. It is a symbol for a country and a place to unite people,” Infantino wrote in a social media post following the tour. “This particular stadium is already a true jewel, showing the modern Morocco — a country projecting itself into the future and choosing football to unite the world.”

The old Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah

The original Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah was demolished in the summer of 2023 to make way for a state-of-the-art facility that aligns with Morocco’s aspirations on the global football stage.

The revamped stadium is expected to play a pivotal role in both continental and global tournaments.

The new Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah

Strategically, the stadium is slated to host one of the semi-final matches of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host alongside Spain and Portugal. It is also billed to feature prominently during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with plans to stage several high-profile matches.

Infantino’s visit underscores FIFA’s recognition of Morocco’s football infrastructure transformation, with the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium serving as a flagship example of the country’s modernisation drive in sports development.

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