Samson Siasia, one of Nigeria’s most decorated football figures, is on the brink of a long-awaited return to the sport after serving a five-year ban imposed by FIFA, Soccernet.ng reports.
Known for his stellar playing career and successful coaching stints with the Nigerian national teams, Siasia’s journey took a dramatic turn in 2019 when he was handed a lifetime ban over allegations of match-fixing.
However, after a relentless fight to clear his name, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) reduced his ban, allowing the former Super Eagles coach to re-enter the football world in mid-August 2024.
As the countdown to his return begins, there is growing anticipation about what lies ahead for Siasia, a man whose impact on Nigerian football has been nothing short of remarkable.
Why Did FIFA Ban Samson Siasia?
Samson Siasia’s troubles with FIFA began in 2010 when he was approached by convicted match-fixer Wilson Perumal while seeking a coaching job with an Australian club.
In a series of emails exchanged between the two, Perumal laid out his proposal, which included questionable terms.
Perumal, known for his illicit activities in the football world, expressed his interest in hiring Siasia as the head coach of an Australian A-League team, intending to manipulate certain aspects of the team’s operations.
In one of the emails, Perumal wrote: “You have a reputation as a silver medalist coach at the Beijing Olympics. I wish to be transparent with you in this matter. I am going to take over a club. I want to engage you as the head coach. It is an Australia ‘A’ league team. You know my nature of business. I will personally bring in 5 Players and dictate the show.
“You will do your coaching job and play along. I will not drag you into what I am doing. My players will take instructions from me. You will have just close one eye and do your coaching job. There is no relegation in this league. No one can fire you. What amount will u be asking for as salary?”
Although Siasia appeared interested in the job offer, asking for details about salary, taxes, and other benefits, he also seemed cautious.
His responses indicated a desire to understand the full terms, including accommodation, signing bonuses, and travel arrangements for his family.
Despite the seemingly benign nature of these exchanges, FIFA found the evidence sufficient to link Siasia to potential match-fixing activities. This led to his lifetime ban from football in 2019, which was later reduced to five years by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The court found insufficient evidence to justify a lifetime ban, offering the former coach a lifeline to continue his career.
In addition to the suspension, Siasia faced a hefty fine of 50,000 Swiss francs (approximately $54,000), which was later canceled after his successful appeal in June 2021.
Was Samson Siasia Guilty?
Throughout the ordeal, Siasia has adamantly declared his innocence, arguing that there was no concrete evidence linking him to any wrongdoing.
Reflecting on the situation, he expressed his frustration:
“There’s no proof to that. When you talk about corruption, is it not when money exchanges hands and all that? There was nothing.
“There’s no video, no evidence of any wrongdoing. Just because I was talking to a match-fixer, does it make me a match-fixer? No. That was the most annoying part of it.”
Siasia further explained how the ban severely impacted his life and career:
“I was actually doing well as a coach. And out of nowhere, bang, it hit me like a slug to my chest, and it broke me down. They accuse you of something that actually never happened. It’s very painful. And then ban you for life for what you did not do.
“There’s no proof to that effect. But all the same, it’s almost over. The most important thing was that I fought my way back from the life ban. They reduced it to five years because they knew I didn’t do it.”
When Will Samson Siasia’s Ban Expire?
FIFA initially imposed a lifetime ban on Siasia on August 16, 2019, following charges related to match-fixing.
However, after the reduction of his ban, Siasia will be eligible to return to football on August 16, 2024, two days after his 57th birthday.
This development was confirmed by renowned journalist Colin Udoh, who tweeted:
“Today August 14 is Samson Siasia’s birthday. And in two days, his FIFA ban gets lifted. It’s been a long, hard road for Sia One. Looking forward to seeing him back in football, whatever capacity that may be.”
Today August 14 is Samson Siasia’s birthday. And in two days, his FIFA ban gets lifted. It’s been a long, hard road for Sia One. Looking forward to seeing him back in football, whatever capacity that may be pic.twitter.com/NKdWRoN9OV
— Colin NOT Collins 🇳🇬🇺🇸 (@ColinUdoh) August 15, 2024
What Next for Samson Siasia?
With the expiration of his ban on the horizon, there is much speculation about Siasia’s next move.
While it remains unclear if he took any refresher coaching courses during his absence from football, Siasia’s track record speaks for itself.
He is one of Nigeria’s most successful coaches, having led the Super Eagles on two occasions and guided Nigeria’s U-23 national team to silver and bronze medals at the 2008 and 2016 Olympic Games, respectively.
The national team coaching position is currently vacant following Finidi George’s resignation, and Siasia could be a strong candidate for the role.
However, other opportunities may also be available. Several clubs in Nigeria’s domestic leagues, including the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and Nigeria National League (NNL), are reportedly interested in securing Siasia’s services.
Among these clubs is former NPFL champions Mighty Jets, who are said to be in discussions with Siasia about a potential role.
Before his ban, Siasia held a U.S. Soccer Federation coaching license and had achieved significant coaching success, including a runners-up finish at the FIFA U-20 World Youth Championships in 2005 and a victory in the inaugural Intercontinental Cup in Malaysia in 2008.