Anambra football boils as Referees Association endorses the suspension of nine referees

www.odogwublog.com reports that the Nigeria Football Referees Association (NRA) has ratified the
suspension of nine referees in Anambra state for professional misconduct in the pitch of play.

It will be recalled that the Anambra Referees Council (ARC) in April suspended nine members including a female and two retirees for terms ranging from 18 months to indefinite.


The endorsement of the Anambra council’s action was contained in a letter dated June 5, and signed by Moroof Oluwa, the Secretary General, saying it was with immediate effect.

“I am directed by the working committee of the above named association to inform you that, sequel to your request of suspension order in respect of the following referees.

“Dona Mbaezue(rtd), John  Ubendu , Meyua C. , Cordelia Akanna (f), Kenneth Aloka, Dennis Obaze, Fidelis Ejeagha, Joseph Isicheli and Jude Amaliwu.

“The working committee has endorsed the suspension order with immediate effect in accordance with the NRA statute,” it said.

Anthony Udennaka, chairman of the referees’ body in Anambra said that the actions were in line with the independent nature of the NRA as contained in article 18 section two of the 2010 statute.

Udennaka said the matter was purely a referees’ affair and any appeal must go through the state council.

He pointed out that the Anambra Football Association (ASFA) and the normalization committee piloting its affairs lacked the powers to treat the matter.

Reacting Victor Nwangu a former member of the board said he received the news with disappointment and shock as the principle of fair hearing was not explored.

“I am deeply disappointed and it is unfortunate, though I am not a referee but I am involved in the whole matter.

“The investigation was not properly done and conclusion is hasty in the long run things will straighten out,” he said


Photo: Commissioner for Education Anambra Prof Omenugha and others