Former Nigerian international Harrison Jalla has called on anti-corruption agencies, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), to take decisive action over alleged financial misconduct in the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Jalla urged the agencies to draw lessons from a recent ruling in Congo, where the President of the country’s football federation, Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas, was sentenced to life imprisonment alongside his wife, son, and two officials for offences including money laundering, embezzlement, and forgery involving $1.3 million in FIFA development funds.
Reacting to the development, Jalla questioned why similar action has not been taken in Nigeria despite multiple allegations of corruption within the NFF. He argued that football administrators in the country appear shielded from prosecution, a situation he said has contributed to the decline of Nigerian football.
He cited several alleged financial irregularities, including the handling of $8.4 million from the 2014 World Cup, which he claimed was falsely accounted for, and the disappearance of $10 million from the 2018 World Cup grant. Jalla also referenced another $10 million FIFA Forward Fund and over $35 million generated from broadcast rights, which he said require proper scrutiny.
According to him, past investigations by the EFCC reportedly uncovered irregularities involving billions of naira in sponsorship funds, yet no convictions have followed. He expressed concern that individuals accused of wrongdoing continue to appear publicly defending their actions, while whistleblowers face intimidation and legal pressure.
Jalla further questioned the role of the National Assembly, asking why the relevant sports committees in both the House of Representatives and the Senate have not taken stronger oversight measures.
He insisted that the issues must not be ignored, stressing that accountability and comprehensive reforms are necessary to restore integrity to Nigerian football and recover any misappropriated funds.
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