DSS will investigate , prosecute corrupt referees, says NFF
By Abdulgafar Oladimeji
Nigeria Football Federation, NFF Refereeing Development Committee has averred that officiating officials caught indulging in corrupt practices would henceforth be investigated and prosecuted by officers from the Department State Security Services, DSS.
The committee in an letter titled, *SUBJECT*: *REMINDER TO CALLS TO UPHOLD EQUITY, FAIRNESS AND**PROTECT THE INTEGRITY OF REFEREEING AND THE GAME.* made the disclosure .
The letter dated 9th May 2025 said “It is important to once again remind ourselves that our Leagues (NPFL, NNL and NWFL) are at critical stages including the President Federation Cup.
Further stating that “No doubt we are aware that teams and their agents within and outside the Refereeing as well as the football circles will continue to mount pressure on you in order to court favors for their teams and pay masters.
The missive signed by Mohammed AmeenuSecretary, NFF Refereeing Development Committee warned that “Once again, be reminded that the independent Monitoring Committee of the *NFF*President will still be in all centres to report any observations that are not in consistent with the provisions of the Laws of the Game or tend to bring both Refereeing and the game into disrepute.
He further cautioned that “All Referees appointed for matches at these stages of all our competitions are instructed to uphold the principles of equity, fairness and justice.
Aminu sternly warned that “Once again, we want to emphasize that anyone found to have acted contrarily will not only be suspended but banned from any football activity for not less than *ten (10) years* as we shall consider this as sabotage of our efforts to ensure growth of the game and Refereeing, which constitute an attempt to determine/manipulate the outcome of matches outside the Laws of the game, and therefore, implies match fixing.
“Anyone found to have acted in these negative ways shall also be handed over to *Department of State Security (DSS)* for further investigation and prosecution. You are all warned ahead of time.” Aminu averred.
