World’s football governing body, FIFA has withdrawn the approval for accreditation given Vanguard man Patrick Omorodion to enable him cover the December 2 announcement for the hosts of the 2018/2022 World Cup.

Omorodion had applied for accreditation which FIFA declared “a successful registration” with registration number 121526 last month, some clear weeks before the vote for cash scandal involving two executive committee members.

Reacting to the withdrawal, Omorodion wrote to FIFA expressing surprise at the turn of events, stressing that he hopes he was not being victimised because of his criticisms of FIFA on its stand on Nigeria as well as his write-up in Saturday Vanguard of November 30, 2010 titled “FIFA: Credibility crisis continues as former scribe affirms body’s corrupt”.

“If it is so, then FIFA is gradually becoming a gestapo organisation that does not allow opposing views and this is not good for the “Good of the Game” which its president preaches. The same treatment has been meted out to renowned journalist, Andrew Jennings who has been banned from all FIFA events around the world,” he said.

However in a swift reaction, FIFA’s Media Department denied any malice in its action but stated that the rejection has “no relation to whatever editorial requests but basically subject to the on-going and standard event process.
We always try to give as much as possible equal treatment to all media worldwide. Thanks again for your understanding and we remain at your disposal in case of further questions.”