The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick has revealed that the NFF received $1 million as COVID-19 palliatives from FIFA.
The fund according to Pinnick comprised $500,000 for “men’s football and $500,000 for the women’s football.” Pinnick also revealed that FIFA will send another “$500,000 in January 2021” as part of the palliatives.
While revealing further, he said that FIFA sent $600,000 for the FIFA Forward 2.0 projects in Birnin-Kebbi and Ugborodo in Kebbi and Delta State respectively and stated that the NFF would be expecting $300,000 from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) before November 1st, 2020.
According to Pinnick, the body will work with an auditing firm in a bid to ensure that the disbursements are done in line with the best global practices.
In a series of tweets on his official Twitter handle, Pinnick said: “Huge appreciation to football’s world governing body, @FIFAcom, for the $1 million (one million dollars) the Federation has received in the frame of COVID-19 palliatives.
“The money was received by the @thenff and we re-confirmed the purpose from FIFA two days ago.
“At $300,000 each, it will enable the mini-stadia in both centers to start at a very good pace, as we earmark completion by the end of March 2021.
“With the $200,000 we have already ring-fenced from our sponsors’ funds for the purpose, the coast will then be clear for us to start the disbursement of funds to the beneficiaries, as captured in our approved template, from next week.
“Beneficiaries MUST ensure 100% compliance to guidelines by ensuring that all funds are paid into designated accounts.
“I would also like to thank all beneficiaries for their patience and understanding at these trying times. Finally, I would like to wish @FIFAcom President, Gianni Infantino God’s speed as he recovers.”
