Governing Bodies
NIGERIA OLYMPIC BOSS MENTIONED AS CRISIS BREWS AT ABUJA-BASED ANOCA
BY LIAM MORGAN
Mustapha Berraf is facing calls to resign as President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) from a group within the organisation, accusing the leadership of severe mismanagement. ANOCA is headquartered at Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja.
A letter sent to all African National Olympic Committees (NOCs),
seen by insidethegames, expresses a vote of no confidence in
Berraf, ANOCA secretary general Ahmed Abou Elgasim Hashim and treasurer Habu
Gumel.
The document accuses the three officials of a lack of financial transparency, betraying the trust of NOCs “through their lack of respect for the very constitution which governs ANOCA” and of bringing the continental body into disrepute.
The letter, which insidethegames understands was distributed by the Liberian Olympic Committee, demands the leadership team “immediately step down from their positions for the good of our organisation and its credibility, to enable our NOCs to focus on preparing their athletes for the Tokyo Olympic Games”.
Those behind the document outline their concern that Berraf, Hashim and Gumel will “drown the organisation in debts that it may not be able to come out from in addition to causing irreparable damage to the image of ANOCA and putting its credibility into jeopardy” if they are allowed to continue.
It highlights nine examples of “practices and actions” which have led to calls for a vote of no confidence, including claims that “huge sums” of money were not used for their intended purpose during this year’s African Games in Morocco.
Concerns over Berraf’s travel expenses are also raised, along with suggestions the leadership team has been abusing its power and not consulted the Executive Committee on important decisions.
Berraf, elected ANOCA President in November, was tasked with overseeing considerable reform and repairing the reputation of the continental organisation.
The letter claims, however, that ANOCA’s crisis has deepened under the Algerian’s Presidency.
“This letter is an expression of our vote of no confidence in their ability to run our institution, which is disintegrating and falling apart before our very eyes and is fast becoming the laughing stock of the world of sport and the Olympic Movement,” the letter states.
“The team was entrusted with putting things back on track and helping ANOCA catch up on lost times as we focus on preparing for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
“However, it is sad to note that rather than meet the expectations of the NOCs, this leadership has brought them more troubles and created deeper concerns for the future of the organisation with great consequences on the athletes and the youth of our continent.”
In a response sent to insidethegames, Berraf denied the allegations and said they are “completely false”.
“Our management, which was the subject of a report to the Association of National Olympic Committee General Assembly, was highly acclaimed and demonstrated that in this short time since our election, many initiatives and positive actions have been initiated,” he said.
“All financial and accounting operations are duly controlled by International Olympic Committee (IOC) auditors and Olympic Solidarity officials.
“Only the General Assembly convened in ordinary session can validly evaluate the ANOCA’s expenses and revenues after examination by the auditor.
“A clean-up operation has begun and is beginning to bear fruit.
“Legal action has been taken.”
Berraf is also embroiled in scandal in his role as President of the Algerian Olympic Committee (COA) after the country’s Sports Minister accused him of corruption and financial mismanagement.
A report from the Sports Ministry makes allegations regarding doubtful contracts, suspicions of corruption, embezzlement and favouritism.
It has led to eight members of the COA Executive Committee “freezing” their involvement in the running of the NOC.
The Algerian, who became a member of the IOC earlier this year, disputes the accusations and alleges his detractors are guilty of “misleading and defamatory manoeuvers” to “undermine his image and that of the COA”.
He also claims he has previously been cleared of similar allegations.
Berraf would lose his IOC membership if he is ousted as COA President, as he was elected to the body as an NOC representative.
In a statement, the IOC said its chief ethics and compliance officer Pâquerette Girard Zappelli was aware of the allegations but would not be making any further comment.
-insidethegames
The FIFA Museum in Zurich has launched a new special exhibition titled Innovation in Action: Football Technologies on and off the Pitch, offering visitors an unprecedented glimpse into how innovation is transforming the world’s most popular sport.
Opened on Monday, October 1, 2025, the immersive showcase was developed in collaboration with the FIFA Innovation Team and other departments within world football’s governing body. It explores how cutting-edge technology supports players, referees, and fans—enhancing performance, ensuring fairness, and enriching the overall football experience—while preserving the game’s passion and human spirit.
“What makes this exhibition truly special is that we can give visitors a never-before-seen behind-the-scenes look that allows them to step inside football innovation, experiencing it hands-on rather than just reading about it,” said Marco Fazzone, Managing Director of the FIFA Museum. “We offer a glimpse at technologies and tools that fans don’t normally get to experience up close, while also showing how innovation has evolved over almost 100 years of FIFA World Cup history.”
Organised around five themed sections — Broadcasting & Media, Intelligent Data, Refereeing & Fair Play, Staging the Game, and the Innovation Lab — the exhibition blends rare artefacts with interactive displays. Visitors can relive football’s broadcast evolution, from the black-and-white footage of the 1954 World Cup to today’s ultra-slow motion 4K replays, and even step into a virtual referee booth to experience the pressures of officiating in real time.
Among the standout features is the FIFA Player App, which allows fans to explore Chelsea star Cole Palmer’s performance statistics from the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final, illustrating how data helps players refine their craft.
Another exhibit showcases Canada goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan’s water bottle from the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 — marked with opponents’ penalty data — revealing how analytics influence critical moments.
Visitors can also view a referee body camera used at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, giving a fresh perspective on decision-making from the official’s point of view.
The exhibition invites visitors to engage directly with football technology. They can test their reflexes and judgment as referees, operate goal-line technology systems, or assume the role of a broadcast director managing live match feeds. Data enthusiasts can analyse player movements, while aspiring innovators can design their own football tech concepts inside the Innovation Lab.
Innovation in Action runs until 31 March 2026 at the FIFA Museum in Zurich. Entry is included with a standard museum ticket.
With its rich mix of storytelling, interactivity, and history, the exhibition promises to be a must-see experience for anyone passionate about the future of the beautiful game.
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Thursday that football could not solve conflicts, but it must carry a message of peace and unity as Israel’s military operation in Gaza and other global tensions fuel calls for the sport to take a stand.
“At FIFA, we are committed to using the power of football to bring people together in a divided world,” Infantino told a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich where he met Palestinian federation president Jibril Rajoub.
“Our thoughts are with those who are suffering in the many conflicts that exist around the world today, and the most important message that football can convey right now is one of peace and unity.”
Infantino said world football’s governing body could not solve geopolitical crises, but “it can and must promote football around the world by harnessing its unifying, educational, cultural and humanitarian values.”
“I met Palestinian Football Association (PFA) President Jibril Rajoub today at the Home of FIFA in Zurich to discuss the ongoing situation in the Middle East region,” Infantino later wrote on Instagram.
“I commend President Rajoub and the PFA for their resilience at this time and I reiterated to him FIFA’s commitment to using the power of football to bring people together in a divided world.”
FIFA has faced repeated calls to act over the war in Gaza, with Palestinian officials pressing for Israel to be suspended from international football.
The issue has been under review by FIFA for months, but no decision has been taken. Infantino has consistently said such matters require consensus with the confederations and must be handled with caution.
The comments came a day after FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani noted that any decision over Israel’s participation in European competitions, including World Cup qualifiers, was a matter for UEFA to decide, effectively putting the onus on the European body.
“First and foremost, it (Israel) is a member of UEFA, no different than I have to deal with a member of my region for whatever reason… They have to deal with that,” Montagliani told reporters at the Leaders sports business conference on Wednesday.
Israel are third in Europe’s Group I of the qualifying stage for next year’s World Cup in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Amnesty International on Wednesday sent a letter to FIFA and UEFA calling on them to suspend the Israel Football Association.
-Reuters
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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed reports suggesting that its Statutes will be amended at this year’s Annual General Assembly (AGA), insisting that no such plans are on the table for the September 27 meeting.
In a statement, the Federation stressed that the ongoing conversation around its Statutes remains at a preliminary stage and that suggestions of imminent changes are unfounded.
Ahead of the AGA, the NFF will host a workshop on September 26, bringing together representatives of its members, as well as officials from FIFA and CAF. According to the Federation, the forum is strictly consultative, designed to deliberate on proposals for new Statutes in line with the principles of good governance and international best practices.
The NFF explained that only after consensus is reached with its members will a separate General Assembly be convened to formally consider and adopt any proposed Statute changes.
“The NFF remains committed to due process, transparency, and working hand-in-hand with its General Assembly Members, FIFA, and CAF,” the statement read.
“The ultimate goal is to establish enduring Statutes that will strengthen governance, broaden representation, and promote inclusivity within Nigerian football.”
The Federation added that the long-term reform framework is aimed at ensuring stability and progress across its structures and enhancing the participation of all stakeholders in the country’s football administration.
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