An ex-international, Harrison Jalla has called on anti-corruption agencies to take decisive action against alleged financial misconduct in football administration, urging them to draw lessons from a recent case in Congo.
Jalla specifically challenged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) to emulate what he described as a firm judicial response by a Congolese court, which reportedly jailed football administrator, Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas over the alleged misappropriation of $1.3 million in FIFA funds.
Speaking on Thursday, Jalla expressed concern over what he termed a persistent lack of accountability in Nigeria’s football system, where allegations of financial mismanagement have lingered without significant prosecutions or convictions.
According to him, the Congolese case centred on funds earmarked for football development demonstrates that swift and decisive legal action is possible when institutions are willing to act.
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He argued that Nigerian authorities must move beyond public statements and show real commitment by thoroughly investigating and prosecuting cases involving football finances.
“Strong institutional enforcement is critical to restoring credibility in our football system,” Jalla said, stressing that accountability would not only deter corruption but also ensure that resources meant for sports development are properly utilised.
Jalla warned that without transparency and financial discipline, the growth of football in Nigeria would remain stunted.
The former international insisted that Nigeria must align with global best practices, where financial misconduct in sports administration attracts prompt legal consequences rather than prolonged inaction.
