The Confederation of African Football (CAF) have distanced themselves from a claim by the Amaju Pinnick-led Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) that they spent $565,473 ( more than 198 million Naira) to attend a CAF congress in 2015.
This position was in response to an inquiry by the Nigerian anti-corruption agency SPIP, which sought to know if CAF were aware of such expenditure.
The NFF claimed they spent a whopping $565,473 to be part of the CAF Congress in 2015 when facts later emerged that the Nigerian delegation received their flight tickets and their boarding and other expenses were borne by the continental football ruling body.
However, in a letter dated June 30, 2019, and signed by general secretary Mouad Hajji, CAF clearly told SPIP they did not receive the said amount from the NFF.
CAF also made it clear that they take up the expenses of member-associations to their official events like the congress.
“1. Referring to the financial report, it appears that CAF did not receive any payment from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
“2. The participation of all the National Associations in the Congress is free and requires no contribution from the latter to the holding of General Assemblies and these expenses by CAF for all the representatives of the participating federations of these congresses.
“In conclusion, I confirm that no contribution from the NFF has been received by CAF.”
CAF further said they will be available to the anti-corruption agency should they need any more clarifications.
The anti-corruption agency has brought a 17-count charge against Pinnick and four other top NFF officials ranging from embezzlement and corruption to failure to declare their assets.
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has since ordered the arrest of the officials and the matter has been adjourned till September 26.
