The Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Kabiru Amadu, has clarified that the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) does not construct or fund standard stadiums for countries, contrary to public assumptions surrounding the controversial Kebbi Stadium project.
Speaking during a televised interview on Wednesday, Amadu explained that FIFA only provides football development grants to member nations, which can be utilized for projects such as mini-stadiums, coach training, and grassroots football initiatives.
“According to FIFA rules, the body cannot build or construct a stadium for any nation to international standard,” Amadu said. “They only provide football development grants. That’s what they call it.”
His comments come amid public outrage over a photo shared by FIFA on social media, showing the Kebbi Stadium under the FIFA Forward Programme. The image, reportedly taken in 2023, revealed an unfinished structure, sparking backlash from Nigerians who questioned the use of the $1.2 million allocated for the project.
