2014 World Cup Brazil and FIFA Nigerian FA Ban

Another World Cup tournament has just rolled into history, leaving in its wake profound feelings of  anguish and ecstasy. But, perhaps, what will be remembered most is how the world witnessed the ruthless demolition of Brazilian football, without doubt the citadel of football glory for decades.  

By two acts of demolition exercises executed by Germany and the Netherlands, thanks to a 7-1 and 3-0 thrashing at the quarter final and semi-final stages, the hitherto awesome power of Brazilian football has now been consigned to history.

As things stand now, only time can tell whether Brazil will prove
equal to the arduous task of climbing back to reclaim its
once-enviable pedigree.  For Africa, it was another sad story of unfulfilled dreams. 

One after the other, the continent’s five representatives were all blown away by the tidal waves that only the toughest are able to withstand at the most demanding level of world
football. Ghana and Cameroun exiting at the end of the group stages was only a matter of course because of the crass acts of indiscipline they exhibited in Brazil. Sheer hard luck cost Cote d’Ivoire their continued stay in the tournament, with only Algeria emerging as the proud heroes of Africa on account of the gritty performance they put up until they went out at the round of 16.  

Even before Africa could
put the debacle of Brazil 2014 behind it, it had been hit with news of  world football governing body, FIFA, suspending Nigeria from all its activities because of a perceived interference in the running of football by the Nigerian government. 

This follows the dissolution of
the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, by the government and the
subsequent organisation of a congress.  FIFA has made it clear that Nigeria will remain suspended until the NFF is reinstalled. This is a typical FIFA response to alleged violation of its laws.  

As a matter of fact, this trend of some African countries occasionally finding themselves on a collision course with FIFA is as a result of the world body not appreciating the dynamics of the game in Africa. 

It is clear the crucial role of African governments in the development of the game on the continent is not fully comprehended by it.  Unlike Europe and elsewhere where federations, by virtue of being independent as far as funding is concerned, have the right to call all the shots,  it is a different ball game in Africa, so to speak.

Governments simply can not make huge investments and yet have no say in the running of the game.

For instance, the decision by the Ghana government to airlift 3.5
million dollars to Brazil for the payment of the players’ appearance
fees at a time they were holding the whole country to ransom must tell everybody the indispensable role of governments in football in Africa.

There is the urgent need for FIFA to appreciate the peculiar
circumstances of African football in terms of funding in order not to see everything within the context of interference. The fact is, without governmental support, most national teams in Africa will find it difficult qualifying for the world cup. Maybe African governments should find a better way of articulating their case.  African governments, while insisting of accountability and transparency, should avoid any temptation to interfere with the direct administration of the game. That’s where the line should be drawn.

Of course, it is imperative that federations on the continent also
acknowledge the fact that they are not islands unto themselves, for which reason nothing should be taken for granted when it comes to who is in charge.  

For Africa, Brazil 2014 was another bad dream that will
take a very long time to forget, but that is not as important as
learning the necessary lessons and preparing for the future.  

Russia 2018 is four years away, but we need no one to tell us to start preparing now. In the specific case of Ghana, the rebuilding of the Black Stars should be an immediate assignment, with emphasis on
discipline and commitment among the playing body.

BY ACKAH ANTHONY , A SPORTS JOURNALIST.