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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has urged qualified Nigerian legal practitioners with proven experience in sports law to apply for appointments to the Fédération Internationale de Football Association’s (FIFA) lists of Pro Bono Counsel and Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutors.
The call, issued by the NFF Communications Department, follows two FIFA circulars inviting applications and renewals for the positions ahead of the publication of the new lists on January 1, 2027. Blueprint reports
Interested applicants are expected to submit their applications through FIFA’s designated recruitment portal on or before October 30, 2026, while those requiring further information have been advised to contact the NFF Secretariat for guidance.
The opportunity provides Nigerian legal practitioners with relevant expertise a chance to contribute to the international football governing body’s judicial processes, particularly in legal representation for individuals who cannot afford counsel and investigations into potential breaches of FIFA regulations.
FIFA seeks lawyers for two distinct roles
According to the NFF, the two categories serve different but complementary functions within FIFA’s judicial framework.
Pro Bono Counsel provide legal assistance to eligible individuals who lack the financial means to defend themselves in proceedings before FIFA’s judicial bodies. Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutors, meanwhile, assist with investigations into possible violations of FIFA regulations.
The NFF said FIFA was inviting qualified candidates to apply for inclusion in the two lists, with the process also providing an opportunity for existing members to seek renewal where applicable.
The distinction between the roles is important because while Pro Bono Counsel focus on ensuring access to legal representation for eligible individuals, disciplinary and ethics prosecutors support the processes through which possible breaches of football regulations are investigated.
For Nigerian practitioners with relevant experience, the appointments could provide an opportunity to apply their legal knowledge within the international football administration system.
Pro Bono Counsel and access to justice
FIFA introduced its Pro Bono Counsel initiative in 2019 as part of a broader legal aid framework intended to protect the rights of individuals who lack sufficient financial resources to defend themselves in proceedings before its judicial bodies.
The system is designed to address the disadvantage that financial constraints can create for individuals facing disciplinary or ethics proceedings.
Under FIFA’s legal aid framework, eligible individuals may receive assistance that can include the appointment of a pro bono lawyer. Depending on the circumstances and approval of the relevant FIFA judicial authority, legal aid may also include relief from certain proceedings-related costs and coverage of reasonable travel and accommodation expenses.
FIFA’s judicial bodies include the Disciplinary Committee, Appeal Committee and Ethics Committee, which handle matters arising under the organisation’s rules and regulations.
The legal aid framework is intended for individuals rather than football clubs, member associations or other organisations that are not natural persons. Applicants seeking assistance must provide information demonstrating their financial circumstances, and the relevant judicial authority determines whether the request qualifies for support.
The availability of pro bono counsel is therefore an important component of FIFA’s efforts to ensure that eligible individuals can access legal assistance when facing proceedings under its regulatory system.
Role of disciplinary and ethics prosecutors
The second category concerns legal practitioners with knowledge of sports law who can support investigations into potential breaches of FIFA regulations.
According to the NFF, these individuals are selected by the Secretariat of FIFA’s judicial bodies to assist with the necessary investigative processes.
FIFA’s broader judicial framework provides for the investigation and handling of potential violations involving football stakeholders, including players, officials, clubs and member associations, depending on the applicable rules and circumstances.
The work of disciplinary and ethics prosecutors is distinct from the role of counsel representing an individual. Their responsibility within the relevant process is to support the examination of potential breaches and the enforcement of FIFA regulations.
The appointments are consequently relevant to the administration of football governance, where the interpretation and application of regulations require legal knowledge and familiarity with the sport’s institutional framework.
Opportunity for Nigerian sports law practitioners
The NFF’s appeal places particular emphasis on Nigerian legal practitioners with proven experience in sports law, rather than applicants relying solely on general legal qualifications.
Sports law encompasses legal and regulatory issues affecting football and other sporting activities, including disciplinary procedures, governance, disputes and the application of competition rules.
FIFA’s judicial processes operate within an international regulatory environment, making relevant experience and familiarity with sports-related legal matters important considerations for prospective applicants.
The federation has encouraged eligible Nigerians to take advantage of the call and submit their applications within the stipulated period. However, applicants are expected to consult the official application requirements to establish the qualifications and supporting information required for their preferred category.
The NFF has not announced any Nigerian candidates who have been selected under the current exercise. The call is an invitation for qualified individuals to apply, with the final appointments to be determined through FIFA’s process.
Deadline and application procedure
The application deadline is October 30, 2026, and the new lists are scheduled for publication on January 1, 2027.
Interested applicants can access the FIFA recruitment portal through the following address:
https://jobs.fifa.com/postings/98d92efa-2d8f-4b08-918a-aa2d18d76369?token=pSeJM6zFkAPZ9cjz6Ywcqq2b
The NFF has also advised prospective applicants to contact its secretariat for further guidance.
The federation’s appeal is directed at qualified Nigerian legal practitioners with the relevant experience to contribute to FIFA’s legal and judicial work. For successful candidates, inclusion on the lists would create an opportunity to serve within the international football regulatory system, either by supporting access to legal representation for eligible individuals or by contributing to investigations into potential disciplinary and ethics violations.
With the October 30 deadline approaching, interested practitioners have been encouraged to review the official requirements and complete their submissions within the prescribed period.
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