In a decisive move by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), referee Imamu Maliki Umar has been relieved of his duties in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) indefinitely, according to reliable sources.
This decision comes in the aftermath of a controversial call made during the Matchday 17 clash between Shooting Stars FC and Bayelsa United FC, resulting in a 1-0 victory for Shooting Stars FC.
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The NFF, acting upon the gravity of the situation and the public outcry surrounding Umar’s officiating, has directed him to step down with immediate effect from refereeing NPFL matches.
The committee responsible for overseeing such matters will deliberate further actions regarding Umar’s future involvement in the league.
The pivotal encounter between Shooting Stars FC and Bayelsa United FC unfolded with a contentious decision by Umar, leaving stakeholders and football enthusiasts questioning the integrity of the officiating.
The NFF, prioritizing the fairness and credibility of the league, decided to take swift and decisive action to maintain the high standards of Nigerian football.
This move emphasizes the NFF’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the NPFL and ensuring that officiating decisions meet the highest standards of fairness and accuracy.
As the football community awaits further decisions from the committee, the incident serves as a reminder of the continuous efforts to uphold the spirit of the game and maintain the trust of both players and fans in the NPFL.