Former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia has appealed for calm over news of the life ban placed on him by world football governing body FIFA on Friday.
FIFA had declared Siasia banned for life from all football-related activities both at the national and international levels for match-fixing.
The body in a statement on Friday said that the adjudicatory chamber of their independent Ethics Committee found the ex-Super Eagles player guilty.
Addressing newsmen in Abuja on Saturday through an associate, Prince Opukiri Jones-Erie, Siasia, said his lawyer was already looking into the matter.
The press conference took place at the main bowl of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
According to Jones-Erie, Siasia was hopeful of a positive conclusion of the matter.
He said: “We want to please plead with everyone to be calm as the issue has been handed over to a lawyer and he is looking at the case.
“So, at this moment, Siasia will be unavailable to speak to the press.
“I want to also appeal to you all to be patient with us, considering the fact that he is already going through so much stress with regards to his mother’s kidnap which we are dealing with at the moment.
“We appreciate you all for your concerns and solidarity messages which have been received from the onset of this situation.
“So, my kind appeal is that you all give us some time for the lawyer to look into the case and as soon as possible, hopefully by next week, we will come up with our position and further action to be taken on the issue.
“On behalf of the family of Siasia, we want to once again thank you for your concerns and we pray that this will end well.”
Besides the ban, Siasia was also fined CHF 50,000 (41,997.1 pounds).
