LIVE TV WILL EXPOSE BAD REFEREES, NFF WARNS

By: Gyang Dakwo

Live television coverage of domestic league matches will now serve as a test of integrity for match officials, the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has said.

Speaking in Abuja, NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau charged referees in the Nigerian Professional Football League to conduct themselves properly, as more games are being broadcast live across the country. He expressed confidence that increased visibility will help check misconduct and strengthen confidence in the league.

Gusau stated this at a ceremony in which 30 Nigerian referees were decorated with badges to formally confirm their global grading by world football governing body, FIFA.

A press statement from the NFF’s communication department disclosed that Gusau pointed out that misconduct will not be concealed and any referee who performs poorly would be stripped of the badge.

“Our league matches are now being televised. For instance, the game between Shooting Stars and Warri Wolves was broadcast live on approximately eleven television stations.

“There is no hiding place now. Matches will be televised live, and any referee who conducts himself improperly will have his or her badge revoked without exception. We must take this very seriously.

“We intend to increase this coverage to thirty stations by the end of the season, ensuring that your officiating will be visible worldwide,” Gusau added with a tone of affirmation.

He further said complaints about any referee will henceforth be submitted immediately after the match, with the erring arbiter directed to submit his or her badge and uniforms, with no appeal for all disciplinary action.

Gusau stressed that referees should not expect anyone to plead on their behalf. He warned that any official who misbehaves should be ready to hand over his uniform, because such a person would no longer remain in the refereeing community.

He added that the federation’s position is firm and will be applied without compromise. According to him, while efforts are being made to improve the welfare and image of the league, poor officiating can drive away potential sponsors.

The NFF boss also explained that the federation has reached an agreement with a television station to expand live broadcasts across the country, provided states have stations that can transmit the matches.

The 30 match referees who received badges on Monday in Abuja included four futsal referees, four beach soccer referees, eleven assistant referees, and eleven centre referees.