Tope Tokoya, a defeated candidate during the zonal elections, alleged that Shelter FC, the club Fashanu is affiliated to, is less than five years old.

According to the guidelines, a candidate's club must have been founded at least five years before the election date.

The committee responsible for the NFA board election, scheduled for next week Friday, said it had invited both parties for a hearing.

'We'll come out with a verdict on Thursday after thorough deliberation,' committee spokesman Muyiwa Daniel told Reuters on Wednesday.

Amateur club Shelter FC is based in southwestern Ogun state, the native home of Fashanu's late Nigerian father.

Fashanu, who was born in England and lived there most of his life, holds dual British and Nigerian nationality.

He retired from playing in 1994 after a glittering professional career which included spells with Norwich, Millwall, Aston Villa and, most notably, Wimbledon for whom he won an FA Cup winner's medal in 1988 against Liverpool.

Since retiring Fashanu has taken a keen interest in Nigerian soccer, saying he wants to be actively involved in its administration and organisation.