NFF Cracks The Whip! Three Referees Suspended Over NPFL Scandal — Barau FC Appoints Interim Coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has suspended three referees from officiating in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following a series of controversial decisions that sparked outrage in recent matches.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The sanctioned officials — Mohammed B. Tuta, Ben Japhet, and Ikechukwu Taiwo — were penalized by the Referee Development Committee after their performances during Matchday 8 were deemed below acceptable standards.

In a statement signed by the committee’s secretary, Ameenu Mohammed, the NFF stated that Tuta and Japhet’s handling of the Kano Pillars vs Shooting Stars fixture “fell short of professional expectations.” The encounter, held at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, ended in chaos as angry fans protested what they described as poor officiating.

Similarly, referee Ikechukwu Taiwo, who took charge of the Nasarawa United vs Rangers match, was suspended for awarding what the committee termed an “unjustified penalty.”

All three referees have been placed on indefinite suspension pending further review and mandatory retraining. The committee reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on unprofessional conduct, warning that any referee found to have compromised match integrity will face strict disciplinary action.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, Barau FC has named Rabi’u Tata as interim Technical Adviser following the temporary exit of Ladan Bosso, who stepped aside for family-related reasons.

The club’s Media Director, Ahmad Hamisu Gwale, confirmed the appointment on Wednesday, noting that preparations are in full gear for Barau FC’s upcoming Matchday 9 clash against Kano Pillars this Sunday. He added that the club will announce further details regarding its coaching structure soon.