President of the Nigerian Referees Association (NRA), Tade Azeez, on Tuesday said the League Management Company (LMC) had no right to call for the suspension of match officials based on allegations of poor officiating.
Azeez said in Lagos that this is because both associations are affiliates of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA).
He said: “Any order pertaining to the suspension and investigation of any match official or matches played must come from the NFA.’’
LMC had lodged a complaint with the NFA Referees Committee against three centre referees and their assistants for poor officiating in some of the Day-9 match fixtures played on May 17.
The LMC had asked the committee to step down the officials from officiating in further matches pending the outcome of investigations of poor officiating leveled against them.
The officials were also accused of questionable calls and lack of diligence during the matches.
Azeez said that the LMC was attempting to intimidate the referees over allegations that it could not substantiate.
“The LMC has no right to call for the suspension of our referees; they cannot suspend them because they have no authority.
“The referees must not be subjected to intimidation because some teams are losing and are complaining.
“Our referees are subject to the highest level of professional conduct and they will not be held responsible for any baseless accusations,’’ Azeez said.
Henry Ogunyamodi of Ondo State, the centre referee in the match between Gabros International and Sharks of Port Harcourt, played at Nnewi, alongside his assistants, is being investigated.
Also under investigation are: Ahmed Dan Zaira and his two assistants from Kano state, who officiated the match between Wikki Tourists and Lobi Stars in Bauchi.
Similarly, Patrick Nworie who was the centre referee in the match between Nasarawa United and Sunshine of Akure, played in Lafia, and his assistants are under investigation .
