NFF's Jalla Demands EFCC, ICPC Action on FIFA Fund Misuse Citing Congo Case
Former Nigerian international Harrison Jalla has issued a strong challenge to the country's anti-corruption bodies, urging them to take immediate action against alleged financial misconduct in football. Jalla, who chairs the Advocacy for Nigeria Football Reform Concepts, pointed to a recent case in Congo as a model for accountability.
Congo's Example in Football Corruption Prosecution
In Congo, a court sentenced Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas, president of the Congo Football Federation, to life imprisonment for money laundering, embezzlement, and forgery. His wife, son, and two federation officials were also convicted in a scandal involving $1.3 million in FIFA development funds. Jalla highlighted this case in a message to The Guardian, questioning why similar actions haven't been taken in Nigeria.
"If $1.3 million can send the Congolese president to jail, what about Nigerian Football Federation officials?" Jalla stated. He expressed frustration that Nigerian football officials appear immune to prosecution despite overwhelming evidence of corruption.
Allegations of Widespread Financial Mismanagement in Nigerian Football
Jalla detailed several high-profile cases of alleged fund misuse by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). These include:
- The $8.4 million 2014 World Cup grant, which was fictitiously retired with claims of a non-existent friendly match against Bolivia and CAF Congress expenses, among other items in a 76-item list.
- The $10 million 2018 World Cup grant, which Jalla claims disappeared without a trace after being diverted from the main NFF accounts.
- The $10 million FIFA Forward Fund, released in tranches for Forward 1 and 2 projects.
- Over $35 million from SuperSport broadcast rights sponsorship within four years, released to the League Management Company (LMC).
He also mentioned that several billions of naira in sponsorship funds have been investigated by the EFCC and confirmed to former President Buhari, yet no prosecutions have followed.
Criticism of Oversight and Intimidation Tactics
Jalla criticized the lack of action from Nigerian authorities, noting that those accused of corruption often appear on national television to defend themselves. "It is mind-boggling to see those who are supposed to be in jail for corruption in Nigerian football appearing on national television defending corruption," he said.
He further alleged that whistleblowers are being targeted with trumped-up charges of cyberbullying and cyberstalking, using the Nigeria Police to silence critics. Jalla referenced a video statement from a former Super Eagles captain and Chelsea legend, which he believes should be sufficient evidence for anti-graft agencies to act.
Call for Legislative and Systemic Reforms
Jalla questioned the oversight functions of the House of Representatives Committee on Sports and the Senate Committee on Sports, urging them to address these issues. "These issues cannot be swept under the carpet and will remain at the forefront until total reforms are implemented in Nigerian football and all stolen funds are recovered," he emphasized.
He called for the EFCC and ICPC to explain to Nigerians why former football federation officials are not in jail despite the evidence. Jalla's advocacy highlights a growing demand for transparency and accountability in Nigerian sports administration, mirroring international efforts to combat corruption in football.
