Referee Adebayo Qudus suspended indefinitely for controversial officiating of Gateway United, Sporting Lagos match

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has slammed referee Adebayo Qudus with an indefinite suspension following his controversial handling of the Nigeria National League Matchday 19 encounter between Gateway FC and Sporting Lagos.

In a letter issued by the NFF Refereeing Development Committee on Saturday, Qudus was accused of awarding an “unjustified penalty” and making several decisions that did not align with the Laws of the Game. The incident reportedly caused significant disruption and called into question the integrity of the match.

“Your actions and performances did not only negatively affect the integrity of refereeing but equally brought the game to disrupt,” the letter read.

As a result, Qudus has been banned indefinitely from officiating, with immediate effect. The NFF emphasized that his suspension is a move to protect the credibility of Nigerian football and to send a strong signal against poor officiating.

The decision was conveyed through the Oyo State Football Association and signed by Mohammed Ameen, on behalf of the Chairman of the NFF Referees’ Committee. Copies of the letter were also sent to the President of the NFF, the General Secretary, and the Chairman/COO of the Nigeria National League (NNL).

This disciplinary action reflects the Federation’s renewed commitment to upholding officiating standards and ensuring fairness across all competitions.

NNL media