Sports
Ex-NRA Scribe Tasks NPL On Referees’ Remuneration
The immediate past Secretary of the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA), Sunday Audu, has urged the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) to improve on referees remuneration for better performance.
Audu told newsmen in Lagos that such a step would reduce the incidence of match fixing allegations being made against referees in the league.
He admonished that, for the absence of issues bordering on bribe and match fixing allegations, referees should be paid their indemnities as and when due.
“If they pay the referees well, their eyes will not turn to the bribe they are being offered.
“Their remuneration is still very poor, imagine a referee being paid N15, 000 to officiate a match in Jigawa and he is based in Kastina, it’s unheard of,’’ the former secretary said.
Speaking on the quality of football played so far in the first stanza of the 2011/2012 NPL season, Audu applauded the standard being exhibited by clubs, through away victories, which he said implied fairness.
“The norm is that if clubs perform well, good officiating should complement their efforts, but if the club performed well and officiating was poor, it will not speak well of the league.
“The two have to work together, if one is lacking, the other one won’t achieve its aim,’’ Audu said.
Audu also commended the effort of the NPL in the provision of adequate security for referees at match venues.
“As it is now, the security of referees is commendable, but it can be improved upon,’’ the former secretary of the NRA said.
He, however, complained about the high handed manner with which the Dispute and Disciplinary Resolution Committee was going about its assignment.
He said, “that the committee usually makes pronouncement without following due process.
“I don’t agree with the decisions they take at times, I don’t agree with them, they go beyond their bounds, whenever they take their decisions.
“My anger again is that they make pronouncements without consulting others involved in the process of arriving at the decision they took to resolve the issue at stake.
“They should follow procedures, the way and manner disciplinary issues are handled are not healthy for the league’’.
On his assessment of the NPL in comparison to what obtained in Europe, South America and South Africa, Audu said that there was no basis for comparison.
“Even though the league is faring well, we cannot compare it to the European and South American football leagues.
“We can’t compare our league with developed countries, but in Africa, Nigeria is number one, followed by maybe South Africa,’’ he said.
The match, which ended 2-2 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Saturday, March 28, was marred by a series of serious breaches. According to the NPFL, Bendel Insurance failed to provide adequate matchday security, which allowed unauthorised individuals to gain access to restricted areas within the stadium.
The situation deteriorated further after the final whistle. Supporters of the Benin-based club were found guilty of unsporting behaviour, and match officials were reportedly held hostage for 40 minutes in the aftermath of the game, a development the league described as a direct violation of football governance and safety standards.
Boboye was found guilty of gross misconduct towards a match official, an act deemed to be in breach of the league’s regulations on discipline and fair play.
In addition to the coach’s personal sanction, Bendel Insurance were fined five million naira for the various breaches, with the club also ordered to play their next three home matches behind closed doors.
The NPFL said the penalties reflected its commitment to maintaining order, professionalism and respect for match officials, particularly in high-pressure situations.
The suspension represents a significant blow to Bendel Insurance at a critical stage of the season, leaving the technical crew to manage upcoming fixtures without Boboye’s direct influence on the touchline. The closed-door order will also deprive the club of home support at the Ogbemudia Stadium, affecting both atmosphere and the financial returns from those matches.
Bendel Insurance retain the right to appeal the ruling through the appropriate NPFL disciplinary channels
According to reports, the accident happened while the club was travelling to Lagos for a Nigeria National League (NNL) fixture.
The club confirmed that the team bus lost control and tumbled near Asaba during the journey.
In a statement, Calabar Rovers said that the accident left several players, officials, and staff injured, with one player in critical condition receiving intensive medical care.
The club described the situation as “a painful moment,” adding that the injured are receiving the best possible treatment and support.
It stated that the welfare of the players remains its top priority during the period.
The club said it appreciates the prayers and urged fans to continue to keep the injured players in their thoughts.
The team was travelling for an away fixture against Sporting Lagos, which incidentally, had already been postponed indefinitely by the NNLboard due to the unavailability of the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
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