FIFA investigating Nigeria

Johannesburg - FIFA is studying a report before possibly taking action against Nigeria for government interference after the team's first-round exit at the Soccer World Cup.

Nigeria President Goodluck Jonathan ordered the team on Wednesday to sit out international competition for two years as punishment for its poor showing.

FIFA spokesperson Nicolas Maingot said on Thursday that FIFA is looking at the case but is not yet ready to act.

FIFA rules demand that national federations manage their affairs independently, or face suspension from world football. National and club teams then cannot play in international competitions.

Nigeria is next scheduled to play in September, against Madagascar in a qualifier for the 2012 African Cup of Nations.