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NFF Warns Referees, Sets Up Monitoring Committee to Tackle Match-Fixing Concerns
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has issued a strong warning to referees and assistant referees across the country, vowing to take decisive action against any match officials found guilty of conduct capable of bringing the game into disrepute.
In a memo from the NFF Refereeing Development Committee — signed by Mohammed Ameenu on behalf of the NFF President and circulated to league chairmen and the federation’s General Secretary — the body expressed concern over an increasing number of questionable officiating decisions across domestic competitions.
According to the memo, while many referees continue to uphold the principles of fairness, equity, and proper interpretation of the Laws of the Game, others have “compromised these standards,” damaging both the sport and the integrity of refereeing.
To address the issue, the NFF President has constituted a Monitoring Committee tasked with deploying personnel to match centres in the NPFL, NNL, and NWFL. These officials will directly observe and report the actions and inactions of match officials, with findings expected to guide disciplinary measures.
The federation urged referees and their assistants to perform their duties diligently, truthfully, and without fear or favour, stressing that strict adherence to professional standards is non-negotiable.
The statement concluded with a stern warning:
“Referees and Assistant Referees are warned that anyone who disregards these guidelines and acts in a manner that brings the integrity of the game into disrepute shall not only be dismissed from refereeing, but will also be handed over to security agencies for prosecution for sabotage and match fixing.”
The move signals a renewed push by the NFF to clean up domestic officiating and restore confidence in Nigeria’s football leagues.
