FIFA rejects NFF World Cup play-off petition, may advance to CAS
By Uzor Odigbo
The NFF says it will appeal the decision of FIFA rejection of its protest against DR Congo for allegedly fielding several ineligible players in a final Playoff clash in November with top officials saying they could take their protest to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS).
Nigeria petitioned FIFA alleging that several players were fraudulently cleared to play for DRC in a final CAF Playoffs in November in Morocco.
DRC won the clash 4-3 on penalties after scores even after extra-time stood at 1-1.
NFF general secretary Mohammed Sanusi said they will appeal the FIFA verdict.
“We have received the decision of the FIFA disciplinary committee on our petition, but we are not satisfied with the decision, which rejected our petition,” Sanusi said.
“I want to assure Nigerians that the NFF have immediately commenced the process of appealing the decision.”
The Intercontinental Playoffs to decide two World Cup tickets will be staged in Mexico during the international break of March 23 to 31.
DRC will face the winners between Jamaica and New Caledonia on March 27 to battle for one of the tickets to the Mundial, which kicks off in June.
