Ministry of Sports Approves Release of Fund For NFF - Dalung

Ministry of Sports Approves Release of Fund For NFF - Dalung

By Niyi Busari

Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Barrister Solomon Dalung has said that the ministry of sports has approved the release of funds for the Amaju Pinnick led NFF, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The minister made the declaration on Monday during an interview session in Abuja.

Dalung had earlier insisted that no amount will be approved by the ministry until the NFF account for the N1.6 billion World Cup funds which they are yet to retire.

"Fund releases are tied to the retirement of N1.6b. In civil service, if government give any parastatal or ministry money. The government will not approve another funding until the first funding is accounted for.

Dalung made it clear that non-release of funds to the NFF was not deliberate but making sure that right thing (due process) must be done always.

"So, it is not that release of fund to the NFF is deliberate but for them to retire the one that was released to them. Dalung told journalists.

He believes that the NFF do not know what funds retirement is all about and he has, however, asked the Permanent Secretary of the ministry to help explain to the federation what funds retirement entails.

"And I think they have little challenges understanding what retirement is and I have directed the permanent secretary to guide them.

Despite NFF inability to retire or account how N1.6 billion was spent, the ministry has approved release of funds for the football governing body.

"And I think we have approved the release of some funds for them." Dalung said.