The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is awaiting a ruling from Fifa on a $1m compensation claim by former coach Gernot Rohr for unfair dismissal. Nigeria’s longest-serving manager who was appointed head back far back in August 2016 was sacked in December just four weeks before the delayed 2021 Nations Cup kicked off in Cameroon.
The NFF had agreed to pay Gernot Rohr’s salary until the end of his contract, which expires in December 2022, but he went to football’s world governing body to demand an additional sum for damages. That claim was contested by the NFF, and a Fifa tribunal examining the German’s claim for damages concluded last week. However, a verdict is yet to be communicated to either party.
An NFF official said: “Mr. Rohr’s the only one talking in the media about a case that is already with Fifa.” “That matter is being handled by our legal department and we are waiting [for] a verdict this week or next week before making any official statement.” Rohr’s representatives were not available for comment, but the former Niger and Gabon manager confirmed he was seeking compensation.
A spokesperson for Fifa said the organization will not comment on an ongoing case. Gernot Rohr was highly praised for rebuilding Nigeria between 2016 and 2018, but nervy and lackluster performances in more recent years and his conservative approach were heavily criticized by the local media and fans. Rohr led the West African nation in 58 matches, winning 31, drawing 13, and losing 14.