FIFA and Nigeria clash over jersey

FIFA on Saturday ordered Nigeria to play in all-white jerseys in today’s U-20 World Cup quarterfinal against France in Cali.  

World football governing body FIFA had insisted that the Flying Eagles all-green kits, which they presented at pre-match meeting and which were endorsed by the match referee, did not serve the “purposes of television”. FIFA officials therefore asked that Nigeria being Team B in this match to play in all-white kits, while home team France sport blue top, white shots and red stockings.
 

The officials said both blue and green colours “clashed” as they are deep colours and so not television friendly. They also said that going by the rule book, Nigeria registered two sets of jerseys to take care of such situations like this.
 

However, Chairman of the Technical Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Chris Green, argued that the team is disturbed by such a ruling. “We are disturbed and upset by this order because it was communicated to us very late and if we are to go strictly by the rule, both colours do not clash,” Green said.
 

“However, we have accepted this decision in good faith believing that both teams will get a level playing field on the pitch at the very least.” The Flying Eagles have won all four games they have played at Colombia 2011 in their traditional all-green jerseys.