Jaja Accuses Clubs Of Bribery

Former referees Chief Dr. Sam Sam Jaja has hit back at club officials, accusing them of bribing referees and only crying wolf when they get out-bribed.

In the last few weeks, Nigerian referees have come under relentless attack from club officials.

Nigeria Football Federation, NFF executive committee member Effiong Johnson fired the first high profile salvo when he accused referees of inciting violence with their ‘incompetence’.

Rangers coach, Okey Emordi added his voice last weekend, describing them as ‘kill joys’ after watching his side’s unbeaten run halted at Sunshine Stars.

Dolphins also had cause to pitch in after getting two players sent off in Wednesday’s 0-1 reverse at Enyimba.

But Jaja, former President of the NRA, was having none of it, and pointed the finger right back at the administrators, claiming they induce match officials “Most coaches and club managers  are guilty of bribing referees to obtain favours and that is why away wins are very rare in our league even when the away team deserves to win.

“So when you hear some of them complain, it is just a case of this one bribing more than the other just as you have this politician rigging more than the other. If the coaches desist from inducing the referees, then all will be well with the league.”

Jaja added that as additional insurance, clubs employ the services of thugs to intimidate match officials: “The referees are human beings and they are bound to fear for their lives.”

Outside of bribery and intimidation, Jaja suggests frequent training for match officials.

“In England, the FA brings the referees together for two weeks and gets seasoned referee instructors and even psychologists to update their skills through physical, mental and psychological exercises.

“Unfortunately, what happens this way is bringing together coaches for a day or two prior to the commencement of the season. This is obviously never enough to impart into them changing trends in the sport.”