By Albert Akota
Peoples Daily Sport has gathered that Mrs. Ebiakpo Baribote, has urged the Minister of Sports, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, to lift the 15-year ban on her husband as part of conditions for withdrawing the lawsuit that sparked the suspension of Nigeria by FIFA.
Mrs Baribote, proprietor of Nembe City FC, a premier league side, had taken the NFF president and the entire board to court which had restrained its president Aminu Maigari and other NFF members from presiding over football affairs.
Mrs. Baribote’s husband, Victor Rumson, was banned from all football activities for taking the NFF to court after he was removed as the chairman of Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL and consequently, NFF second Vice President.
Following last week’s suspension by FIFA, because of the court case and what it termed as government’s interference in the affairs of the NFF, Mrs. Baribote has been prevailed upon to withdraw her lawsuit, but has insisted on having her husband’s ban lifted.
Additionally, she wants Mr. Baribote reinstated as NPFL chairman and NFF Vice President.
The NFF may be prepared to consider lifting of the ban on Baribote as well as the likes of Taiwo Ogunjobi, and reinstating him would be a more daunting task.
Meanwhile, the Jos High Court which sacked the Maigari-led board was expected to sit on the case yesterday and informed sources say the board may be reinstated.
The new development is coming on the heels of a new ultimatum of 17 July by FIFA for the court case to be withdrawn or Nigeria faces a lengthy ban from international football.
Maigari’s NFF board were impeached by a General Assembly of the NFF in Abuja after the Super Eagles crashed out of the Brazil 2014 World Cup after their loss to France in the second round.
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