FIFA to keep monitoring Nigerian soccer for political meddling despite dropped suspension

FIFA to keep monitoring Nigeria soccer

JOHANNESBURG — FIFA will continue monitoring Nigerian soccer for possible political interference, even though the government backed down from threats to suspend the national team for two years.

FIFA was poised to impose even broader penalties on Nigerian soccer if the government went through with its plan, but the threat was dropped Monday. FIFA rules prohibit government interference in the operation of national soccer federations.

FIFA spokesman Nicolas Maingot says it will continue to monitor the situation in Nigeria “closely.”

The dispute began when Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan said he would ban the national team after the Super Eagles’ early World Cup exit.