FIFA Appoints Ilorin-born A.U. Mustapha to Anti-Racism Committee
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FIFA Appoints Ilorin-born A.U. Mustapha to Anti-Racism Committee
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has appointed Ilorin-born Senior Advocate of Nigeria, A.U. Mustapha, to its Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Committee.
The appointment, which was officially communicated to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) by FIFA’s Secretary-General, Mattias Grafström, will see Mustapha serve a four-year tenure on the influential global body.
The committee, comprising 22 distinguished members from various countries, is tasked with preventing and investigating cases of racism and discrimination within football federations, clubs, and associations under FIFA’s jurisdiction.
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The committee is chaired by Ghana’s Kurt Okraku, with Bermuda’s Mark Wade serving as Deputy Chairperson, while Mariano Araneta from the Philippines represents the FIFA Council.
Other notable members include Lorrelle Abrams (British Virgin Islands), Irene Aguiar (Spain), Rivaldo Antonio (Guinea-Bissau) and Bennett Bailey (South Africa).
A.U. Mustapha’s appointment followed a strong recommendation from the Nigeria Football Federation, which cited his track record of excellence and integrity in sports law and administration.
With over three decades of legal practice, Mustapha has built a formidable reputation as one of Africa’s leading sports lawyers, particularly in football governance and regulation.
He previously served as President of the Appeals Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) between 2018 and 2023, a tenure widely praised for its transparency and professionalism.
He also chaired the NFF Elections Committee in 2010 — an exercise many stakeholders described as one of the freest and fairest in the Federation’s history.
Beyond his legal exploits, Mustapha has contributed personally to football development, including funding the re-turfing of the Kwara State Stadium and furnishing the Kwara State Football Association Secretariat.
More recently, the Nigeria Sports Commission appointed him as Chairman of its Elections Appeal Committee, further underscoring his stature as a respected sports administrator.
FIFA’s Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Committee plays a critical role in promoting inclusivity and ensuring fair play across global football. Its mandate aligns with FIFA’s broader commitment to respect for human rights, diversity, and equality within the sport.
