BEVERLY HILLS, July 18, (THEWILL) – Aiteo Group has given the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, two weeks to resolve its leadership crisis warning that it will pullout of the lucrative sponsorship deal it gave the federation.
The indigenous oil giant, a major sponsor of Nigerian soccer, handed the warning on Wednesday via a statement.
“The persisting situation makes it difficult for us, as a law-abiding entity, to operate responsibly within the demands placed on us.
”Accordingly, we are constrained to indicate that unless these issues are resolved satisfactorily in the manner dictated by the requirements of the world governing body FIFA within fourteen (14) days hereof, we will deem ourselves compelled to reconsider our position with respect to participation in the various arrangements in which we are involved,” the company said.
The NFF has been involved in a leadership tussle between Chris Giwa and Amaju Pinnick, who’s executive has been officially recognized by FIFA.
A Nigerian court recently declared Giwa the authentic president of the NFF after a protracted legal battle that remains in court till date courtesy of Amaju’s challenge of the ruling.
“AITEO lends its voice to that of many well-meaning Nigerians to call for the quick and decisive resolution of the current issues especially as future campaigns for glory in the African Nations Cup are imminent.
“Indisputably, certainty and stability with the leadership of the NFF remain pertinent to sponsors like us to continue to commit to the growth of Nigerian football in the manner that we have done,” it said in the statement.
Aiteo’s involvement in Nigerian football is very significant because the funding it has been providing since its entry in 2017 eased the association’s anaemic cash flow problems and helped Nigeria qualify for the 2018 Russia World Cup and participate without the usual financial disputes between the federation and the national soccer team.
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