“POLITICS BEHIND FOOTBALL WON'T AFFECT FAIR PLAY, TRANSPARENCY” – CFL CEO

By Oluwatobiloba Adeosun

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Champions Football League (CFL), Nifemi Orunesajo, has made it known that politics behind football won't affect fairplay and transparency in the league competition. 

Nifesimi, while speaking with Campus Mirror, prior the commencement of the second leg of the league competition on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at the University's sport center "Estadio De Sun," acknowledged the influence politics might have in decision making process of the organization, but emphasized the uphold of integrity as the way out. 

“Yes, politics do influence decisions, especially in the sense where as a board, we take opinions from stakeholders and form our decisions, in making policies; politics has always been a factor, but then with integrity and fairplay, we try as much as possible to not let it hinder, but for a fact it does play a part,” he said. 

The CEO, however, confirmed that politics will not influence CFL management decisions, and further stated how the organization enforces transparency. 

“Some competition have that, but in CFL, politics in football won't influence our decisions because we have individual clubs and individual entities that are not affiliated with any department, it is a mixture of players from faculties. 

"As an organization, and particularly through our board, the CFL, we are committed to ensuring fair play and transparency in the league. This commitment reflects our character and the personality of our organization. We strongly believe in maintaining integrity, especially in a league with 10 teams where favoritism cannot be tolerated. However, we recognize that not everyone will always agree with our decisions. When making choices, we aim to consider what will benefit the majority and align with what we believe is right."

Nifemi further appreciated the fans who turned up for the matches despite unfavorable weather conditions. 

"Today been the first match day, the turnout is pretty good,due to the lack of shield in the sport center, majorly the fans and people that have interest will just come to watch,we have a quiet number of spectators and it's a big testament to them and their love for sport because it takes a lot to sit under sun,” he said.