NFF Suspends Referee Over Questionable Calls In Stores Vs VFC Match

Centre referee Alajiki Joel has been handed an indefinite suspension by the Nigeria Football Federation and the Nigerian Referees Association “from further participation in NFF/NRA matches” following his questionable officiating in the Nigeria National League Week 14 match between Vandrezzer FC and Stores FC at the Agege Stadium in Lagos.

The official from the Osun State Referees Council was handed the ban following a hearing to review performances of match officials in the Nigerian league.

A letter written to the Osun State Referees Council and signed by NRA scribe Kelechi Mejuobi stated:

“This is to inform the Osun State Referees Council that one of its members and NNL Referee, Alajiki Joel has been handed Indefinite Suspension by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF Referees Committee, from further participation in NFF/NRA matches.

“This is part of the outcome of the first day meeting of the NFF Referees Committee to review performances of referees Appointed for National competitions.”

Alajiki Joel

Alakiji was at the centre of several head scratching calls last weekend, disallowing what appeared a legitimate goal by VFC attacker Somtochukwu Abaraham and refusing to award a stonewall penalty when Stores goalkeeper violently brought down the same player in the 18-yard box in last Saturday’s Lagos Derby.

The suspension takes effect immediately.