Gombe denounces Nigerian referees, calls for prosecution of players engaged in match fixing, sports betting
By Uzor Odigbo
Past Chairman of Gombe Football Association, Hon. Ahmed Shauibu Gara Gombe, has called for stricter regulations to improve the quality of match officiating in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).
Gombe who has been in the pursuit for quality football and sports development in the Nigerian league made this known recently where he stated categorically that making provisions for punishing match officials and players who are involved in sport betting without an option of fine is one of the ways to address the corrupt officiating which has reduced the quality of football in the NPFL.
“It is regrettable that players and officials sometimes possess prior knowledge of match results, which undermines the credibility of the domestic league”
The former Chairman of Gombe United Football Club emphasized the need to declare a state of emergency for refereeing in Nigeria, suggesting that it be professionalized through an Act of Parliament, similar to the engineering and medical professions.
He proposed developing a transition programme, which would include automatic retirement after five years of practice and a new orientation programme for younger professional referees.
Additionally, he recommended engaging corporate partners and sponsors to support refereeing, ensuring direct communication with the professional body of referees in Nigeria to maintain objectivity and prevent undue interference.
He reiterated that prior knowledge of match outcomes by players and officials compromises the credibility of the NPFL., Gombe Stated.
