/

updated 10:55 a.m. ET March 7, 2013

BERNE (Reuters) - Soccer's governing body FIFA has written to the Nigerian Football Association over reports that lesbians had been banned from playing football in the West African nation.

A FIFA spokesman confirmed the letter but emphasized it was a preliminary inquiry.

Nigerian media reports have widely quoted Dilichukwu Onyedinma, head of the country's women's football league, as saying lesbian players would not be allowed to compete.

"Any player that we find is associated with it will be disqualified," Onyedinma was quoted as saying.

"We will call the club chairmen to control their players, and such players will not be able to play for the national team," she added.

Gay rights campaigners including the Federation of Gay Games, the European Gay and Lesbian Sport Federation (www.eglsf.info), Football v Homophobia and AllOut (www.allout.org) said they had written to FIFA president Sepp Blatter about the alleged ban.

"The organizations sending this letter believe that FIFA must now take firm," said the campaigners in a statement.

(Reporting by Brian Homewood; Editing by Alison Wildey)

More news

Robyn Beck / AFP - Getty Images

All signs point to Brazil

PST: Jozy Altidore scored in a fourth straight game and the United States beat Honduras in World Cup qualifying to stay atop the group.

Robyn Beck / AFP/Getty Images

PST: Ambitious Altidore has US men flying high

After again playing hero for the U.S., it's clear that Jozy Altidore is making good on his vast talent.

Headlines

• Label

PST: Ambitious Altidore has US men flying high

Davis: US hangs in despite frustrating game

Costa Rica blanks Panama 2-0 in qualifier

Iran wins at S.Korea, both teams qualify for WCup

Australia books World Cup berth with win over Iraq

Hope Solo likely to get 1st start since surgery

Chivas USA youth player Chaves dies

Roto: Latest Premier League transfer rumors

Pareja, Thomas suspended for 1 game

Ribery, Benzema prostitution trial is adjourned