Nigerian players celebrate
FIFA lifted a suspension of Nigeria on Friday following the dismissal of a lawsuit against the country’s football federation.
The world governing body had suspended Nigeria on Oct. 4 because of government interference, which breaches FIFA statutes protecting the independence of elected football officials.
The suit by Nigeria’s national players’ organization sought to annul recent federation elections.
FIFA said court actions against the officials have now ended, allowing them to “work without hindrance.”
FIFA and Nigeria have had troubled relations since the national team slumped to a first-round exit at the World Cup in June.
Nigeria President Goodluck Jonathan threatened to pull all national teams from competition and investigate the federation for corrupt misuse of team funds. Jonathan backed down only when FIFA threatened a ban to defend federation officials.
Also Friday, FIFA’s ruling panel confirmed Togo will be suspended if it fails to organize new federation elections by Nov. 6.
FIFA sanctions prevent a country’s national and club teams, plus officials, from taking part in international matches and meetings.
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