By Daily Sports on August 8, 2016

The National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF) says Nigeria Football Clubs in all categories of leagues are responsible for induced officiating in the league and Federation Cup matches in recent times.

In a statement issued on Monday in Lagos, signed by NANPF General Secretary, Comrade Austin Popo, the group expressed concern over what it viewed as “the unethical and unprofessional behaviour exhibited by majority of clubs officials in recent times by deliberately making their home games unsecured thereby exposing match officials to threats by organised football hooligans that are well known by the clubs.” It described the situation as “worrisome and disturbing.”

According to NANPF, “While some referees cannot be completely exonerated from the unholy, shameful and corrupt act of collecting bribes from clubs officials to influence officiating in favour of their teams, majority of others would have, and will do a good job on the field if our clubs officials provide enough security for our match officials and also refused to offer to referees with corrupt tendencies.

“Situations where values are no longer placed on the abilities of players and coaches by clubs, little wonder that the welfare of players and coaches are never given serious thoughts and consideration, instead such monies are given to match officials to corrupt officiating is unacceptable and deserve outright condemnation from all stakeholders in football.

“This is not the time to deny the existence of corrupt officiating in our matches, but it is time all stake holders must urgently form a common front to fight this monster of corrupt officiating capable of destroying the gains of improvement witnessed in our league matches in recent times, courtesy of the good job orchestrated by the LMC, NNL NWL and the Nigeria Women League.

“The Union wishes to particularly task the leadership of the premier league clubs owners Association to take the initiative of the fight against corrupt officiating more seriously by ensuring members compliance to the ethics of professional football which legally and professionally forbids inducement of match results by bribing match officials The union will take deeper steps in addressing the issue of corrupt officiating by collaborating with relevant law agencies such as EFCC to bring an end to the issue of corrupt officiating in our games considering its negative impacts on the game and by extension the lives and careers of our players and coaches.”

•Photo shows NANPF General Secretary, Comrade Austin Popo.

Source Daily Sports

Posted August 8, 2016

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