Referees’ Committee Pledges Better Officiating for 2024/25 NPFL Season

Referees’ Committee Pledges Better Officiating for 2024/25 NPFL Season

The Nigeria Football Federation’s Referees Development Committee has promised improved officiating for the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season. The committee’s chairperson, Mrs. Faith Irabor, made this assurance during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, following a referees’ Cooper test and training session.

Irabor highlighted key areas of improvement, particularly around offside decisions and handball incidents. She emphasized that only deliberate handballs would result in penalties, explaining that handball fouls would not be given if the ball strikes a player’s hand in its natural position.

“Referees will no longer penalize players for unintentional handballs, as seen in recent European Championships,” she said.

Irabor also noted that the Cooper test and training aimed to ensure referees are mentally and physically sharp to make accurate calls. She added that 80% of referees who participated in the first phase of training, which began on Aug. 19, passed, while 20% were dropped for failing to meet the required fitness standards.

Addressing the welfare of referees, Irabor revealed that their remuneration had been increased by 100%, with no outstanding wages or indemnities owed. She stressed that with better compensation and preparation, referees are expected to deliver top-notch officiating throughout the season.

In a collaborative effort to maintain game integrity, Irabor stated that the club coaches, secretaries, and captains were also part of the training to ensure all parties understand and respect the rules of the game. “We want everyone on the same page, and any violations will face strict penalties,” she added.

NAN reports that 250 referees participated in the exercise, with about 20% failing to meet the required standards.