NFF Issues Stern Warning To Referees: Match Manipulation Will Attract 10-Year Ban, Legal Action

In a bold move to safeguard the integrity of Nigerian football, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has issued a strong warning to referees and stakeholders across all tiers of domestic football, emphasizing zero tolerance for match manipulation and unethical practices.

With the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL), and Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) at critical stages, and the Nationwide League One (NLO) kicking off today, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, the NFF has expressed deep concern over potential external influences aimed at swaying refereeing decisions.

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“The President and the General Secretary of the NFF have instituted a powerful monitoring committee with members deployed to all match centres,” a statement signed by NFF Refereeing Committee Secretary Mohammed Ameenu read. The committee is expected to independently report any deviations from the Laws of the Game or actions that may tarnish the image of Nigerian football.

In a rare show of transparency, the NFF also confirmed that most of the matches will be streamed live, giving fans and analysts the opportunity to scrutinize officiating decisions.

“All referees appointed for matches are hereby instructed to uphold the principles of equity, fairness and justice,” the statement continued. The consequences for failure to comply are severe—officials found guilty of misconduct could face a minimum 10-year ban from football and potential prosecution by State Security Services for match-fixing related offenses.

The directive serves as both a call to action and a warning, as the NFF seeks to elevate the standards of officiating and restore public trust in the domestic leagues.

“You are all warned ahead of time,” the statement concluded, underscoring the seriousness with which the Federation views this initiative.

This development marks one of the most assertive steps by the NFF in recent years to tackle corruption and ensure fair play across all levels of the game.