The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Refereeing Development Committee has issued a stern warning to referees officiating in the EuroMatch-NPFL, cautioning them against errors of judgement. In a practice directive signed by Mohammed Ameenu, the committee commended referees for their good performances after six matchdays, but noted that wrong calls have been witnessed, some of which are errors of judgment while others are gross misrepresentation of the Laws of the Game.
The NFF committee emphasized the need for referees to uphold the principles of equity, fairness, and standard interpretations and applications of the Laws of the Game. The memo stated that it has become necessary to remind referees of their duties, obligations, and responsibilities towards ensuring fair play. The committee also directed referees to carry out their duties diligently, truthfully, and fairly to all concerned without fear or favor.
To ensure that matches are prosecuted without negative tendencies in refereeing decisions, the NFF Acting General Secretary has instructed the existing Monitoring Committee to deploy personnel to each match center and be more vigilant in preserving the integrity of NPFL matches. The Monitoring Committee is mandated to directly report actions and inactions of match officials to the Acting General Secretary for appropriate actions.
The NFF has warned referees that anyone who disregards the guidelines and acts in a manner capable of bringing the integrity of the game into disrepute shall not only be dismissed from refereeing but shall also be handed over to security agencies for prosecution for sabotage and match-fixing. The committee emphasized that the warning is a consequential official response to ensure that referees adhere to the guidelines.
The EuroMatch-NPFL season has reached an advanced stage, with several excellent performances witnessed from some referees. However, the NFF committee noted that wrong calls have been made, which can undermine the integrity of the game. The committee's directive aims to address these issues and ensure that referees perform their duties to the highest standards.
The NFF's move to sustain improved officiating in the EuroMatch-NPFL is a significant step towards enhancing the credibility of the league. The committee's emphasis on fairness, equity, and standard interpretations of the Laws of the Game is expected to promote a level playing field for all teams. The deployment of monitoring personnel to match centers is also expected to help identify and address any issues promptly.
The Nigeria Football Federation's efforts to improve officiating in the NPFL are crucial in maintaining the trust of fans and stakeholders. The committee's warning to referees serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the integrity of the game. The NFF's commitment to taking decisive action against errant referees demonstrates its determination to promote fair play and protect the reputation of Nigerian football.
Key points
- The Nigeria Football Federation has warned referees against errors of judgement in officiating in the EuroMatch-NPFL.
- The NFF has deployed monitoring personnel to match centers to ensure that referees adhere to guidelines.
- Referees who disregard guidelines risk being dismissed and prosecuted for sabotage and match-fixing.
