The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has sanctioned 14 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) referees for their poor officiating in the ongoing season.
Imamu Maliki Umar of Kano, who was the centre referee of the disputed Bendel Insurance versus Remo Stars on Sunday has been sanctioned alongside the assistant referee Sunday Azi from Plateau State.
Both are among the 14 referees that are being disciplined in the current Nigeria Premier Football League.
Last year, the NFF banned the same referee for two years, but surprisingly has made a return before the expiration of the ban.
On July 8, 2022, in a matter between Niger Tornadoes FC Vs. Lobi Stars FC the NFF Committee ruled that Imam Malik Umar was banned from all football related activities for two years.
On Sunday in Benin, back-in-action Imamu Maliki ruled a foul throw that preceded the goal by Remo Stars after his assistant referee Sunday Azi from Plateau State raised his flag after almost five passes of the ball that eventually resulted into the controversially disallowed goal.
Their poor performances ruled the media space and apparently prompted the Referee Development Unit of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to act.
In aftermath, the axe has fallen on 14 referees. Incidentally, matches involving Niger Tornadoes had the most recurring controversial refereeing.
In seven matches in which referees were sanctioned, three involved Niger Tornadoes.
In their Matchday 2 home match with Rivers United, Referee Bawa Buhari of Gombe has been sanctioned. So also are referee Chukuka Jahlove of Anambra State and Assistant Referee Akinwale Tomiwa of Oyo State, both officials in Niger Tornadoes home game against Bayelsa United on Matchday 4.
Their Matchday 5 duel with Sporting Lagos also had controversial officiating leading to the sanctioning of Assistant Referee II, Zechariah Nde of Delta State.
Also withdrawn are Referee Saeed Abdulaziz of Katsina State and Assistant Referee Jimmy Aimugbonrie of Edo State who handled the Gombe United versus Plateau United Matchday 5 match.
Perhaps the most controversial officiating decision was in the Kwara United home game with Sporting Lagos when a penalty kick was awarded even when the ‘offending’ player had his hands at his back while the ball hit him just above his torso.
The officials sanctioned in this regard are Referee Brown Ebenezer of Abia State and Assistant Referee Atuwho Morrison of Delta State.
In the Matchday 6 of the Sunshine Stars versus Abia Warriors, all unnamed four match officials are sanctioned.
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