Nigeria, DR Congo verdict ready, FIFA Executive Council to decide

Nigeria, DR Congo verdict ready, FIFA Executive Council to decide

As Nigerians wait on edge to know the outcome of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) petition against DR Congo, a decision appears to have been reached.

According to a source familiar with the case, the anticipatory decision today has been deferred to the FIFA Executive Council members who are expected to meet tomorrow, February 17 in Zurich, the FIFA Headquarters.

The FIFA Council consists of 37 members: one President, elected by the FIFA Congress; eight vice presidents, and 28 other members.

The FIFA Council is led by President Gianni Infantino. It also includes Vice Presidents representing each confederation—including Shaikh Salman Bin Ebrahim AL Khalifa (AFC), Alejandro Dominguez (CONMEBOL), Vittorio Montagliani (CONCACAF), Aleksander Čefrerin (UEFA), Lambert Maltock (OFC), Patrice Motsepe (CAF)—and numerous members from member associations worldwide. 

However, based on the latest available information as of mid-February 2026, there is no FIFA Council meeting scheduled for the remainder of this month. Should the meeting takes place tomorrow, as being speculated, it must have been solely an emergency instance to decide the NFF petition.

The last time the Council met was to make key decisions surrounding the 2026 Women's Champions Cup in late January.

It was learnt that the Ethic Committee met today based on Articles 5, 6, 7, and 8 of the Regulations Governing the Application of the FIFA Statutes and has referred decision to the Executive Council for approval.