Ilorin, Nov. 28, 2016 (NAN) The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)on Mondaycleared the air on the purported 110,000 dollars received from the organisers of the Suwon U-19 Football Tournament.

The Federation also cleared the air on NFF President AmajuPinnick’s trip to the United Kingdom for VIP scouting.

A statement issued by NFF’s Spokesperson, AdemolaOlajire, quoted the General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusias saying the report was ridiculous.

Sanusi recalls that a national newspaper had reported that the Federation received 110,000 dollars from the organisers of the Suwon U-19 Football Tournament, in which the U-17 National Team, Golden Eaglets, participated in October.

“Another national newspaper on the same day also reported that NFF President traveled to the United Kingdom for VIP scouting, for which he did a memo and collected money.’’

Sanusi appealed to the media to endeavour to be factual in its reportage of the activities of the Federation.

“We have nothing against criticisms but the same must be constructive and done without mischief.

“The report is ridiculous because the NFF President did not take money from the Federation to go on the trip.

“The man used his personal funds to travel, so it is unfair to say that his going to the United Kingdom was why there was no money for Falconets or Falcons. These kinds of reports are discouraging.”

“And on the story on Suwon tourney, I am saddened by the report because the writer called me on phone and I told him the correct situation of things.

“The NFF did not receive any 110,000 dollars from the organisers of the Suwon U-19 Tournament.

“The organisers made public what they would give to the participating teams, and for coming fourth at the competition, the Eaglets were entitled to 10,000 dollars, which has not even been paid to the NFF,’’ Sanusi said.

He urged the media to cross check their facts when reporting the activities of the NFF, adding that the impression of many people about the Federation was usually incorrect.

“People assume there is money everywhere here and we are only being unfair not to pay players and coaches.

“If that is the situation, how come as management, we cannot pay ourselves even as we are being owed a lot of money?

“One is not saying the media should not report if they have facts that the Federation has the wherewithal and yet is deliberately with-holding the entitlements of players and coaches.

“However, reporting falsehood and agitating on behalf of persons without having any facts is outright mischief and is condemnable,’’ Sanusi said.