World football governing body, FIFA, has convened an emergency meeting of its highest decision-making organ, the FIFA Council, to deliberate on Nigeria’s petition against DR Congo, Lagos Panorama has gathered.
Sources indicate that although the matter was extensively examined by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee late into Monday night, it was ultimately deemed too consequential to be resolved at that level.
Given the high-profile nature of the protest lodged by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and the political implications referenced in the submission, members of the disciplinary body resolved to refer the matter to the FIFA Council for final determination.
The issue was formally escalated on Monday, prompting the Council to schedule an emergency session for Tuesday in Zurich, Switzerland.
The FIFA Council, comprising 28 members, eight vice-presidents and one president, represents the six continental confederations and serves as the organisation’s supreme decision-making authority. It is chaired by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Notably, former NFF President Amaju Pinnick was a member of the Council until last year.
Tuesday’s deliberations are expected to be comprehensive, with leading football administrators across the continents participating.
Among those anticipated at the session are Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa (AFC), Alejandro Dominguez (CONMEBOL), Vittorio Montagliani (CONCACAF), Aleksander Ceferin (UEFA), Lambert Maltock (OFC) and Patrice Motsepe (CAF).
The emergency session will review both the NFF’s petition and DR Congo’s response. Findings earlier considered by FIFA’s Ethics Committee were also transmitted to the Council for final approval.
A definitive verdict is expected following the Council’s deliberations.
