The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has taken a decisive step and relieved referee Imamu Maliki Umar of his duties in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) indefinitely.
According to reliable sources, this action was taken in response to Umar’s controversial call during the Matchday 17 clash between Shooting Stars FC and Bayelsa United FC, which resulted in a 1-0 victory for Shooting Stars FC.
The NFF, considering the gravity of the situation and the public outcry surrounding Umar’s officiating, has asked him to step down immediately from refereeing NPFL matches.
The committee responsible for overseeing such matters will deliberate further actions regarding Umar’s future involvement in the league.
The pivotal encounter between Shooting Stars FC and Bayelsa United FC unfolded with a contentious decision by Umar, which left stakeholders and football enthusiasts questioning the integrity of the officiating.
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The NFF, prioritizing the fairness and credibility of the league, has decided to take swift and decisive action to maintain the high standards of Nigerian football.
This move emphasizes the NFF’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the NPFL and ensuring that officiating decisions meet the highest standards of fairness and accuracy.
It also sends a clear message that the NFF will not tolerate any act that undermines the credibility of the league.
As the football community awaits further decisions from the committee, it is important to note that the incident serves as a reminder of the continuous efforts to uphold the spirit of the game and maintain the trust of both players and fans in the NPFL.
The NFF is committed to taking all necessary measures to ensure that the NPFL remains a fair and just competition for all involved.