FIFA gives new appointment  to Amaju Pinnick

Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Amaju Pinnick, has been appointed as the Deputy Chairperson of FIFA’s Men’s National Teams Competitions Committee — a position that places him among the key influencers in world football governance.

The committee, regarded as one of FIFA’s most strategic bodies for the next four-year cycle, is led by Paraguay’s Robert Harrison as Chairperson, while Qatar’s Sheikh Hamad Khalifa Al Thani serves as the FIFA Council Delegate overseeing all men’s tournaments.

These competitions include the FIFA World Cup, FIFA U20 and U17 World Cups, the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament, FIFA Futsal World Cup, and the FIFA Arab Cup.

Pinnick’s appointment is seen as a major boost for African football, ensuring the continent a prominent voice in shaping global football policies and decisions.

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The former FIFA Council Member, who narrowly lost his re-election bid in 2023 by one vote, was recently appointed as Presidential Adviser to CAF President, Dr. Patrice Motsepe.

At both FIFA and CAF levels, Pinnick has earned respect for his diplomacy, drive, and tireless commitment to advancing Africa’s football interests.

During his tenure as NFF President and CAF’s First Vice President, he pushed for governance reforms, promoted financial transparency, and advocated for stronger African representation in global football structures.

His new FIFA role is expected to influence critical decisions regarding tournament hosting rights, competition formats, and continental representation quotas — potentially opening new opportunities for African nations on the world stage.

Other members of the FIFA Men’s National Teams Competitions Committee include Sheikh Hamad Khalifa Al Thani (Qatar) – FIFA Council Delegate; Robert Harrison (Paraguay) – Chairperson; Amaju Pinnick (Nigeria) – Deputy Chairperson; Julio Avellar (Brazil); Mark Bullingham (England); Jihad El Chohof (Lebanon); Abdoulaye Fall (Senegal); Wayne Forde (Guyana); Hussein Jenayah (Tunisia); Danny Jordaan (South Africa); Song Kai (China); Marian Kustic (Croatia); Osaei Maroto (Costa Rica); David Mujiri (Georgia); Luciano Nakis (Argentina); Paul Phillipp (Luxembourg); Pedro Proenca (Portugal); Mehdi Taj (IR Iran); Giles Tavergeux (New Zealand); and Quac Tuan Tran (Vietnam).