The chairman of Abia State Referees Council, Matador Ogunta, and secretary of the council, Iheanacho Chukwuemeka, have been slammed with indefinite suspension by the chairman of Abia State Soccer Affiliation, Rev. Obioma Onyeaghala.
The 2 referees have been suspended from all soccer actions in a letter dated October 5, 2024, and signed by the chairman of Abia State FA, Rev. Obioma Onyeaghala.
The letter alleged: “For refusal to recognise constituted authority (Abia State Soccer Affiliation Referees Committee) comprising of former referees, consistent with FIFA pointers and disrespect in addition to acts of insubordination severally to Soccer Affiliation management, which incorporates severally the act of adjusting the appointment of referees duly appointed for matches by the referee’s committee. This suspension is with fast impact and indefinite.”
Additionally, a letter signed by Mohammed Ameenu, Particular Assistant to the Basic Secretary of the Nigeria Soccer Federation, NFF, dated October 8, 2024, stated that the NFF wouldn’t tolerate insubordination and disrespect of any of its working personnel, directors or stakeholders.
The letter from the Particular Assistant to the NFF Basic Secretary additionally stated that state FAs are key and useful elements of NFF operations and in addition characterize the federation at their ranges of jurisdiction and due to this fact shouldn’t be disrespected. “Subsequently, we acknowledged and ratified the suspension of the duo,” the letter acknowledged.
Nonetheless, the suspended chairman and his secretary haven’t reacted to their destiny however a preferred referee in Abia, who spoke on the matter, stated the suspended chairman and secretary are harmless of the allegations introduced in opposition to them.
The referee, who pleaded that his title be stored secret for concern of victimisation, stated that the majority referees within the state are sad concerning the suspension of their leaders.
“The FA chairman desires to have undue management of the referees. We might boycott matches,” he stated.
