FIFA Bans Ban

The president of Nigeria placed a suspension on his own country’s national soccer team due to their poor play in the World Cup. The Nigerian are banned from international play for two years. Pretty ridiculous right? Well, when FIFA got word of this they decided to tell Nigeria that if they do not revoke the suspension they will ban them from FIFA. That’s right no one is allowed to ban soccer…except FIFA.

The reality of the situation is that FIFA does not allow political interference by the nation on the teams. Teams must not be operated by politicians and Nigeria is breaking a rule. However, the Nigerian President isn’t completely crazy. President Jonathan believes that there is some funny business going on within the organization of the national team. He suspects illegal funds are going into the organization and wants a full investigation. This wouldn’t be the first time something like this has happened. (Watch ESPN’s 30 for 30 “The Two Escobars.”) President has till Monday to revoke the suspension or the Nigerian’s are banned.

If Nigeria tries to appeal the ban on the suspension I believe FIFA will only ban them further.