The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has suspended two referees, Ayeni Ridwan Olatunji and Abubakar Jimoh, from officiating in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with immediate effect.
The decision was taken after the referees were found to have ignored a glaring penalty incident in a matchday 24 fixture between Kwara United FC and Bayelsa United in Ilorin.
According to a statement signed by Ameenu Mohammed, the Technical Instructor (football) with the NFF and Referees Assessor on Thursday, the referees’ actions “did not only negatively affect the outcome of the match but equally brings the game to disrepute.”
The statement said the active Assistant Referee failed in his duty to assist the Referee in the situation, as the incident materialized after a counter-attack in his area.
“I am therefore, directed to notify both of you that you have been stepped down indefinitely and with immediate effect from the league.”
The suspension is a clear indication that the NFF will not tolerate any form of unprofessionalism or bias in the officiating of matches in the NPFL.
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