Harrison Jalla Demands EFCC, ICPC Probe into NFF's Alleged FIFA Grant Misuse
Former Nigerian international and Chairman of Advocacy for Nigeria Football Reform Concepts, Harrison Jalla, has issued a strong challenge to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He urges them to take immediate action in investigating the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) over allegations of misused FIFA grants, drawing a direct parallel to a recent high-profile case in Congo.
Congolese Precedent Sparks Call for Accountability
Jalla referenced a Congolese court decision where the President of the Congo Football Federation, Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas, was sentenced to life imprisonment. His wife, son, and two federation officials were also convicted in a scandal involving $1.3 million in FIFA development funds for charges including money laundering, embezzlement, and forgery. In a message to The Guardian, Jalla questioned why similar accountability has not been pursued in Nigeria, stating, "If $1.3 million can send the Congolese president to jail, what about Nigerian Football Federation officials?"
He expressed frustration over what he perceives as immunity for NFF officials, noting, "Unfortunately, in Nigeria, our football federation officials seem to be immune to prosecution on corruption allegations. With impunity as the order of the day, it results in the free fall of Nigerian football." Jalla also criticized FIFA for allegedly abandoning its oversight functions regarding grants to Nigeria.
Alleged Financial Mismanagement in Nigerian Football
Jalla detailed several instances of alleged financial misconduct, demanding that the ICPC and EFCC explain why former NFF officials have not faced prosecution despite what he calls "overwhelming evidence." The allegations include:
- An $8.4 million grant from the 2014 World Cup, which was reportedly retired fictitiously with expenses for a non-existent friendly match against Bolivia and CAF Congress costs, among 76 other items.
- A $10 million grant from the 2018 World Cup that Jalla claims "disappeared into thin air," with no trace as it was allegedly diverted from NFF accounts.
- A $10 million FIFA Forward Fund, released in tranches for Forward 1 and 2 programs.
- Over $35 million from SuperSport broadcast rights sponsorship within four years, released to the League Management Company (LMC).
Additionally, Jalla mentioned that several billions of naira in sponsorship funds have been investigated by the EFCC and confirmed to the late former President Buhari. He described it as "mind-boggling" to see individuals who should be jailed for corruption appearing on national television to defend themselves, while using the Nigeria Police to target whistleblowers with trumped-up charges for cyberbullying and cyberstalking.
Internal Testimony and Legislative Oversight Criticized
Jalla highlighted a video featuring an unedited statement from a former Super Eagles captain and Chelsea Football Club legend, who spoke from an insider perspective. He argued that in a serious country, this video alone should prompt anti-graft agencies to act, especially given the credibility of a former national team captain. Furthermore, he questioned the effectiveness of legislative oversight, asking, "Where are the oversight functions of the House of Representatives Committee on Sports? Where is the Senate Committee on Sports?"
He concluded by asserting that these issues cannot be ignored and will remain at the forefront until comprehensive reforms are implemented in Nigerian football and all stolen funds are recovered. Jalla's call underscores growing concerns about transparency and accountability in sports administration within the country.
