In a recent revelation, Samson Siasia, the former head coach of the Super Eagles, has criticized the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for their negligence during FIFA’s probe into match-fixing allegations against him.
Siasia was implicated in bribery and suspected involvement in match-fixing, leading to a life ban from all football-related activities imposed by the world football governing body in 2019. The ban was later reduced to five years following an appeal.
Speaking to Athlist, the 56-year-old, whose ban is nearing its end, accused the NFF of providing little support during the FIFA investigation period.
Reflecting on the situation, Siasia expressed his disappointment, stating, “Nigeria abandoned me when I needed them the most. It was merely an allegation of bribery. But what constitutes bribery? It involves the exchange of money, yet there was no concrete evidence presented.”
Siasia detailed an instance where he unknowingly engaged with an individual in Australia, later discovered to be a match-fixer, while discussing potential coaching opportunities. He questioned FIFA’s decision to permit such individuals at their events despite being aware of their background.
Recounting the sequence of events, Siasia revealed, “When FIFA initiated the investigation, I was oblivious to it as I am not directly under FIFA’s jurisdiction, which lies with the NFF. Strangely, FIFA instructed the NFF to keep me uninformed about the investigation, leaving me defenseless.”
He further disclosed, “Due to an oversight, I missed the initial communication from FIFA as it landed in my spam folder. It was only two days before the ban was enforced that I became aware of FIFA’s pursuit. Attempts to negotiate a hearing were futile as FIFA claimed the deadline had lapsed, redirecting me to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS).”
Siasia expressed his struggles in securing legal representation within the limited timeframe, leading to challenges in preparing his appeal. He lamented, “Locating a sports lawyer in Nigeria proved arduous. The legal proceedings have been prolonged, with the appointed individual demanding a hefty fee, causing additional financial strain.”