The Referee Development Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has suspended Ayeni Ridwan Olatunji and Abubakar Jimoh from officiating in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.
The referee’s suspension was contained in a statement signed by Ameenu Mohammed on Thursday.
Olatunji and Jimoh were reported to have ignored a glaring penalty incident that fulfilled all requirements of foul (holding/pulling) within the provisions of the Laws of the Game in the matchday 24 fixture involving Kwara United FC and Bayelsa United in Ilorin.
The statement reads, “Reference to your decisions that adversely affects not only the outcome of the match between Kwara United FC and Bayelsa United FC played on Sunday, 15th February, 2025 wherein you ignored a glaring penalty incident that fulfilled all requirements of foul (holding/pulling) within the provisions of the Laws of the Game.
“Moreso, the active Assistant Referee failed in his duty to assist his Referee in the situation as the incident materialized after a counter-attack in his area.
“Your actions did not only negatively affect the outcome of the match but equally brings the game to disrepute.
“I am therefore, directed to notify both of you that you have been stepped down indefinitely and with immediate effect from the league.”
More actions should be taking regarding refrees in Nigeria,,they are very bias,,it should not be only in Nigeria premier League,,it should extend to d Amateur,down to other leagues in Nigeria.. Tackling such issue should be down from the root.