Governing Bodies
FLASHBACK: FIFA FINES NIGERIA FOR WITHDRAWAL FROM WORLD CUP
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
On this date, 20 July 1965, the World football governing body, FIFA slammed a 5,000 Swiss Francs on Nigeria for a sudden withdrawal from the 1966 World Cup which finals took place in England.
In the preliminary competition, Nigeria along with 14 other African teams entered. At the time, both Africa and Asia had one joint slot at the World Cup. The winner of the continental series in Africa was to face that of Asia to be able to qualify for the final tournament.
While Africa had 15 entries, Asia had just two who were to contest with Australia from Oceania and South Africa, which opted for the zone on political ground.
FIFA reasoned that the half allocation to both Asia and Africa was occasioned by the fact that the two continents did not have teams that qualified for Sweden 1958 and Chile 1962.
The 15 teams in Africa were divided into six groups of either two or three teams.
Nigeria was grouped with Libya and United Arab Republic (Egypt/Syria) in Group 6.
The six group winners were to move into round two with the following pairings: Group 1 to face Group 5 while Group 2 winners were to face that of Group 4.
The Nigeria’s group winner was to face the eventual champion of Group 3, which had Algeria, Liberia and Tunisia.
But the matches did not hold in Africa following a mass boycott. First to withdraw on 17 August 1964 were Morocco and Ethiopia.
Then on 21 September 1964, the quartet of Guinea, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia joined. On 8 October 1964, South Africa, based on protest to FIFA by Egypt (then UAR), was also thrown out.
It was on that day that Nigeria and all the remaining African countries announced their withdrawal from participating in the World Cup 1966 qualifiers.
Also, Syria, which had pulled out of an earlier political union of UAR withdrew from Europe Group 9 where it was to compete.
Asia’s four teams had their fair share of controversy too.
The league-styled games were to be played on a neutral ground, Japan.
South Africa was banned by FIFA on account of apartheid policy.
That left three teams to contest. South Korea also withdrew when the tournament was moved from Japan to Cambodia.
On account of North Korea not having diplomatic relationship with most Asian countries, it was difficult finding a suitable country to host the tournament until North Korean leader, Kim II-Sung convinced his Cambodian ally to host the matches.
That left only Australia and North Korea to play in duels easily won by North Korea.
For the final round, North Korea were to play the three final group winners from Africa on home and away basis with the winning side of the quartet qualifying for England ’66.
Because of the withdrawal of the African teams, North Korea qualified automatically.
FIFA, in its reaction to the boycotts, fined the boycotting countries including Nigeria.
In the letter sent to Nigeria and dated 20 July 1965, FIFA stated that Nigeria breached the competition’s regulations by withdrawing after the preliminary competition had started.
The NFA was given a deadline of 31 December 1965 to pay the fine.
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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