August 15, 2023

Elite Football Referees in the country are currently undergoing a weeklong annual performance and evaluation screening at the Mainbowl of Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja.

Two batches of Centre and Assistant Referees of 177 are in contention for recognition by the referee’s assessment committee alongside FIFA and CAF instructors .

Upon the conclusion of 12 laps-4.8km endurance race, each participant proceeds to the classroom for the theoretical session and conclude with practical sessions before they are brought forward for the 2023/2024 season.

Speaking exclusively to NTA, FIFA Physical Fitness Instructor Emmanuel Edekin Imiere confirmed that new laws of officiating emerge every season and Elite Referees in the country cannot be left behind.

He further says that new laws defining time wasting, crowding of match officials, dissent, sanctity of the technical area, awarding of penalty kicks, protection of referees from assault among others will be fully implemented.

In a separate interview, Head, Technical Instructors for Referees Nigeria Football Federation, Chukwudi Chukwujekwu disclosed that football clubs have not been cooperative and receptive to changes in the new laws.

“ Football Refereeing has gone beyond physical fitness and theoretical assessment. We want to see our referees to combine both ( Physical and Theoretical brilliance) with practical implementation of the new laws in our league. They have to be consistent with their interpretation and implementation of the laws.

Unfortunately, about twenty have already failed the physical fitness test which means they are out for this screening window”

The annual Referee Fitness and Assessment evaluation is preparatory for the 2023/2024 season of the Nigeria Premier Football League.