Covid-19 palliatives: Pinnick confirms NFF received $1.6m from FIFA, expecting $300k from CAF

NIGERIA Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick has described in detail the funds the body has received as palliatives to cushion the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

There was a recent mix-up in the figures the NFF has been given by world governing body FIFA and the Confederation of African Football, following a disputed media report.

However, Pinnick broke it down on Wednesday, using his personal Twitter account.

“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,” he wrote at the beginning of several tweets.

“The money was received by the @thenff and we re-confirmed the purpose from FIFA two days ago.”

Pinnick also explained the purpose of additional funds provided by FIFA.

“@FIFAcom also sent $600,000 to the Federation for the FIFA Forward 2.0 projects in Birnin-Kebbi and Ugborodo,” he added. 

“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.”

The two-term NFF boss then broke down the figures into specifics, writing: “As a further break down, the $1 million for palliatives is composed of $500,000 for men’s football and $500,000 for the women’s game. FIFA has also promised to send the Federation an additional $500,000 sometime in January 2021, also as part of COVID-19 palliative efforts.”

On their part, CAF is yet to provide funds, but they have promised to do so soon, according to Pinnick. He also stated that the funds will be disbursed accordingly as soon as possible.

“On the continent, we have received confirmation from @CAF_Online that the Federation will receive the expected $300,000 from the Confederation on or before Sunday, the 1st of November,” he explained.

“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.

“Even though we are bolstered by the guidelines from FIFA strictly outlying the purposes of these funds as well as the approval of the @thenff Executive Board, we will also interface with our auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers, on each and every line item, to ensure the disbursements conform to global best practices.

“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.”