NFRA Demands Improved Security At NPFL Venues, Lauds Organisers For Sanctioning Defaulting Teams

The Nigeria Football Referees’ Association (NFRA) has called on organisers of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), State Football Associations and participating clubs to create a more conducive environment for quality officiating to thrive.

The call follows recent unsavoury incidents during and after some league matches where referees were at the receiving end of unruly acts from club officials and supporters.

In a statement condemning the attacks, Acting President of the NFRA, Sir Kelechi Mejuobi, said stakeholders involved in the organisation of the domestic league must activate more proactive than reactionary measures in view of the renewed trend of assaults on referees.

While assuring that referees on duty have been mandated to apply the best methods of officiating, which includes fair and firm refereeing in accordance with the Laws of the Game, Mejuobi stressed that other stakeholders must ensure the protection of match officials at various centres.

‘While the association acknowledges the punishments meted out to offending teams where referees are attacked, proactive measures to ensure protection of match officials should be sacrosanct. Let’s see what can be done to prevent the attacks on referees rather than punishment after the victims must have suffered harm and injuries,’ Sir Mejuobi posited.

He expressed hope that the sanctions imposed by the NPFL on culprits and offending clubs will serve as deterrent, while craving for collaboration among stakeholders to avoid recurrence of such ugly scenarios in the league.

The NFRA however admonished appointed match officials to be worthy ambassadors and to officiate in accordance with the Laws of the Game and competition rules, adding that the association is working with relevant authorities, including the use of internal mechanisms, to ensure their safety before, during and after matches.