EFCC Investigates Nigeria Football Federation Over Alleged Fund Diversion

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into allegations of abuse of office and diversion of funds within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

A letter addressed to the National Sports Commission (NSC) on November 28, 2024, and obtained by TheCable, outlined the EFCC’s request for comprehensive details regarding financial dealings involving the NFF and the Professional Football League from 2022 to date.

Signed by Farouk Dogondaji on behalf of the EFCC chairman, the correspondence directed the NSC’s Director-General to provide information crucial to the ongoing investigation. The requested details include records of sponsorships, financial donations, and expenditures linked to key football events.

The EFCC specifically sought information on funds donated by FIFA for the Super Falcons’ 2023 Women’s World Cup preparations and contributions from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for the 2023 AFCON finals. Additionally, the agency requested details of consultancy firms working with the NFF and the Professional Football League.

The anti-graft body also asked for records of amounts released to the NFF outside the federal budget for major tournaments, as well as the accounts and banks where these funds were deposited.

The EFCC cited its authority under Section 38 (1) and (2) of the EFCC Establishment Act, 2004, to demand this information as part of its efforts to conclude the investigation.