Amaju Pinnick Speaks on Alleged Misappropriation of FIFA Funds: “Stop De-Marketing Nigeria”

Former President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, has further addressed the growing controversy over the alleged mismanagement of FIFA funds during his tenure from 2014 to 2022.

Former President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, has spoken out amid renewed allegations of misappropriation of FIFA funds during his tenure from 2014 to 2022. In a recent interview with Arise TV, Pinnick addressed viral social media claims that the NFF under his leadership misused funds received from FIFA’s Forward 2.0 Programme, cautioning Nigerians to “stop de-marketing” the country with unverified accusations.

The controversy centers on allegations that the NFF mishandled part of the $25 million reportedly received from FIFA over the past decade. Critics claim the funds earmarked for football development projects, including the construction of two mini-stadiums valued at $1.2 million each, were misappropriated.

The NFF body initially debunked the news with an official statement that declared the money they got was for specific purposes. However, in an interview with Arise TV, Pinnick once again defended the NFF and Nigerian sports institutions, highlighting the damage such allegations inflict on Nigeria’s international reputation.

Speaking candidly, Pinnick emphasized that not all funds received by the NFF were under his personal control or even government-funded. He pointed out that several key staff members of the Federation are paid directly by FIFA.

“The General Secretary, his deputy, the technical director, and about 15 to 20 other staff in the NFF are being paid by FIFA and not the government. How many people know this?” Pinnick said.

He further explained that portions of FIFA’s financial support are specifically earmarked for women’s football and other targeted development projects, limiting how such funds can be used.

He continued, “A certain amount of money is dedicated to women's football. “I'm not holding fault for the federation, but I'm an officer of the federal republic, and it is on us to say the truth when we see fit.

Pinnick also expressed concern that constant accusations and public criticism of national institutions harm Nigeria’s international image.

“We should stop maligning institutions in Nigeria. It doesn’t make us look good on the international scene,” he said. “It de-markets this country. We just lost our bid to host the Commonwealth Games. Nigeria is almost a red flag whenever we want to host any tournament.”