NFF Suspends Two Referees Over Controversial NPFL Match

The NFF has suspended two referees for poor officiating in an NPFL match, while setting deadlines and penalties for the 2025 President Federation Cup finals.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has suspended referees Ayeni Ridwan Olatunji and Abubakar Jimoh from officiating in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

This decision followed an incident during a match between Kwara United FC and Bayelsa United in Ilorin.

A statement signed by an NFF official on Thursday explained that both referees failed to award a clear penalty that met the criteria for a foul, such as holding or pulling, as stated in the Laws of the Game.

The statement further noted, “We acknowledge the impact of your decisions on the match’s outcome and the integrity of the game on Sunday, 15th February 2025. Ignoring a clear penalty incident undermines the standards of officiating.”

It also highlighted the failure of the Assistant Referee to assist in making the right call, stressing the need for better teamwork among officials to maintain the quality of the game.

As a result, both referees have been suspended indefinitely, effective immediately. The NFF hopes this action will serve as a wake-up call to improve officiating and maintain the league’s credibility.

In a separate development, the NFF has directed all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to hold the final matches of the 2025 President Federation Cup on either Saturday, February 22, or Sunday, February 23, 2025.

A statement from the NFF’s Director of Competitions emphasized that failure to comply with this directive would result in a fine of one million naira. “Final matches are to occur solely on the 22nd/23rd unless exceptions are granted by the NFF,” the statement clarified.

The NFF has also scheduled key dates for the competition’s national play-off and subsequent rounds. The national play-off will take place on March 5, followed by the national draw a week later. The rounds of 64, 32, and 16 are set for March 19, April 2, and April 16, 2025, respectively. The quarter-finals will be played on May 3 and 4, with the semi-finals scheduled for May 17 and 18.

These timelines aim to ensure smooth organization and execution of the tournament, contributing to a better football experience in Nigeria.

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