FIFA threatens Nigeria with suspension over ban...

FIFA will suspend Nigeria from world soccer unless the country's government overturns its ban on the national team by Monday.

FIFA spokesman Nicolas Maingot said that FIFA will contact the government by letter on Friday to tell Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan he has until Monday evening to back down on his threat to pull the Nigerian soccer Federation out of international competition for two years.

"Failure to do so will result in the suspension of the NFF," Maingot said.

FIFA rules protect soccer from government intervention, with power to suspend members who do not manage their affairs independently. More...

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