The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Refereeing Development Committee has issued a warning to referees in the EuroMatch Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) against errors of judgment. In a practice directive, the committee commended the referees for their good performances after six matchdays but noted that some wrong calls have been made. The memo, signed by Mohammed Ameenu, emphasized the need for referees to uphold the principle of equity, fairness, and standard interpretations of the Laws of the Game.
The NFF committee acknowledged that the 2026/2027 NPFL season has reached an advanced stage, with several excellent performances from some referees. However, they also noted that some wrong calls have been made, including errors of judgment and gross misrepresentation of the Laws of the Game. The committee stressed that it has become necessary to remind referees of their duties, obligations, and responsibilities towards upholding the integrity of the game.
The NFF Acting General Secretary has instructed the existing Monitoring Committee to deploy personnel to each match center and be more vigilant in ensuring that the integrity of the NPFL matches and football generally are preserved and protected. The Monitoring Committee is mandated to directly report actions and inactions of Match Officials to the Ag. General Secretary for appropriate actions.
The directive emphasized that all Referees and Assistant Referees in the ongoing season must carry out their duties diligently, truthfully, and fairly to all concerned without fear or favor. The committee warned that anyone who disregards these instructive 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 NFF Refereeing Development Committee's move is aimed at sustaining the improved officiating in the EuroMatch NPFL. The committee's efforts are geared towards ensuring that matches are prosecuted without any form of negative tendencies in refereeing decisions. The warning to referees is a consequential official response to any misconduct.
The Nigeria Football Federation's efforts to improve officiating in the NPFL are ongoing. The federation has been working to enhance the skills and knowledge of referees, as well as implement measures to prevent errors and ensure fairness in the game. The current season's directive is part of these efforts.
The EuroMatch NPFL season is ongoing, and the NFF's warning to referees is expected to have a positive impact on the game. The federation's commitment to upholding the integrity of the game is clear, and the consequences for misconduct are severe. The move is expected to promote fairness and equity in the game.
Key points
- The Nigeria Football Federation has warned referees in the EuroMatch NPFL against errors of judgment.
- The NFF has instructed the Monitoring Committee to deploy personnel to each match center to ensure the integrity of the game.
- Referees who disregard the guidelines and engage in misconduct will be dismissed and handed over to security agencies for prosecution.
