BELGIAN coach Tom Saintfiet says he will fight Nigeria on the grounds of racism and political interference following the cancellation of his post as the country’s technical director.
Saintfiet, 39, thought he had got the Nigerian job after he was offered a four-year contract in March which would have seen him earn US$20 000 per month but Nigerian sports minister Bolaji Abdulahi said the contract remains stalled as there are indigenous experts who could be considered for the post.’The matter is in the hands of my lawyers and advisors. What happens here is contrary to the guidelines of Fifa,’’ he told SportVoetbal Magazine.’First, it is political interference in football. And second, there is racism. The minister disclosed that the only reason I cannot be technical director is that I am a foreigner. That is racism, although different from what we usually have, but racism.’This is annoying. I have turned down two concrete proposals in the past few months apart from the Nigeria job, among others. I have no work and thus no income.’It will be recalled that the secretary general of the Nigeria Football Federation, Musa Amadu, had exclusively told Tribunesports that the Glass House has nothing to fear in Saintfiet’s case, adding that the NFF only had a verbal agreement with the Belgian.- tribune.com.ng
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
