CAF inflicts one year ban on Nigerian referee

By Boluwatife Ezekiel Olaleye

The Referees Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed the recommendation of its Disciplinary Board to ban Nigeria referee, Joseph Ogabor, from any official mission for one year for the cause of attempted match manipulation.

According to reports, Ogabor attempted to manipulate the centre referee, Victor Gomes, for the Total CAF Confederation Cup play-off round first leg clash between Plateau United of Nigeria and USM Alger from Algeria played on 7 April 2018 in Lagos.

He attempted to help the NPFL champions outfit gain an unfair advantage over its Algerian counterpart.

A statement on CAF website on Sunday said the decision follows investigations conducted and evidence submitted by the South African match officials of the match who were contacted by Ogabor to provide “technical assistance” to the Nigerian team.

The statement read: “The CAF Referees Committee on 28 April 2018, has confirmed the recommendation of the CAF Disciplinary Board to ban Nigeria referee Joseph Ogabor from any official mission for one year for attempted match manipulation with respect to the Total CAF Confederation Cup 1/16th round first leg between Plateau United (Nigeria) and USM Alger (Algeria) played on 7 April 2018 in Lagos,” the statement reads.

“The decision follows investigations conducted and evidence submitted by the South African match officials of the said match, who were contacted by Ogabor to provide “technical assistance” to the Nigerian team.

“Also, Plateau United was cautioned to refrain from the practice of hospitality gifts which tend to create wrong impression.

“In a related development, the South African Football Association have been ordered to render an apology to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) after investigations proved there was no evidence of whatsoever of any official of the NFF regarding an allegation of US$30,000 bribe.”