An Ibadan-based football supporter, Suara Moshood Onisemeje, has petitioned FIFA and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over alleged political interference by Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC).
In the petition, Mr. Moshood urged the NFF and FIFA to investigate the role of the 3SC management in allowing political campaign materials and activities during the Matchday 37 fixture against Barau FC.
He alleged that during the match, the stadium was converted into a political campaign ground for one of the governorship aspirants, Bimbo Adekanmbi, who is reportedly the anointed candidate of the state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde.
He further alleged that political banners, slogans, and coordinated campaign activities were prominently displayed and conducted within the stadium premises during the match.
Mr. Moshood emphasised that such actions constitute a direct breach of global and national football regulations.
He cited FIFA Law 4, Section 5, and FIFA Statutes Article 19, which mandate member associations to manage their affairs independently and ensure no undue influence from third parties, specifically government interference.
He therefore called on FIFA and the NFF to impose sanctions on Shooting Stars SC to serve as a deterrent to others who may have similar intentions.
The petition reads:
Your Name: Suara Moshood Onisemeje
Your Address: 14, Apata Yidi, Agbowo Ibadan, Nigeria.
Your Phone Number: +2349039687035
Email: suaramoshood@gmail.com
Date: May 11, 2026
TO: The General Secretary, The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Package B, National Stadium Complex, Abuja.
AND COPIED TO: FIFA Disciplinary Committee / Integrity Unit, FIFA-Strasse 20, P.O. Box 8044, Zurich, Switzerland.
PETITION AGAINST SHOOTING STARS SPORTS CLUB (3SC) FOR GROSS VIOLATION OF FIFA AND NFF STATUTES ON POLITICAL INTERFERENCE AND NEUTRALITY DURING THE MATCH AGAINST BARAU FC (MAY 10, 2026)
1. INTRODUCTION
I wrote to formally lodge a complaint against the management of Shooting Stars SC of Ibadan regarding the Matchday 37 fixture of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) played against Barau FC Fans on May 10, 2026, at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan.
THE OFFENCE: POLITICAL CAMPAIGNING IN A FOOTBALL VENUE
During the aforementioned match, the stadium was converted into a political campaign ground for Mr. Bimbo Adekanmbi, the reported anointed candidate of the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for the 2027 gubernatorial elections. Political banners, slogans, and coordinated campaign activities were prominently displayed and conducted within the stadium premises during the match.
VIOLATION OF FIFA AND NFF STATUTES
These actions constitute a direct breach of the following global and national football regulations: FIFA Law 4, Section 5: Explicitly states that “Equipment must not have any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images” and further prohibits political displays related to any party, government, or specific political event. FIFA Statutes (Article 19): Mandates that member associations (NFF) must manage their affairs independently and ensure no “undue influence from third parties,” specifically government interference.
UEFA /FIFA Safety and Security Regulations: Prohibit the “promotion or announcement of political messages or any other political actions inside or in the immediate vicinity of the stadium.”
GROUNDS FOR SANCTION
The use of a state-funded football club (3SC) to promote a specific political aspirant creates an unfair environment and violates the principle of neutrality that is the bedrock of association football. Allowing such displays sets a dangerous precedent where football matches are used to bypass electoral laws or gain undue political advantage.
PRAYERS
I hereby urge the Nigeria Football Federation and FIFA to: investigate the 3SC management’s role in permitting political campaign materials and activities during the match against Barau FC.
Impose sanctions on Shooting Stars SC, including but not limited to fines or a “closed-door” match mandate for future home games to serve as a deterrent. Issue a warning to the Oyo State Government regarding the separation of state-sponsored sports and political campaigning. Football is a game of unity, not a tool for political partisanship. I trust that you will act swiftly to protect the integrity of the “Beautiful Game” in Nigeria.
Yours Faithfully,
Suara Moshood Onisemeje
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