NFF Suspends Referee Adebayo Qudus Indefinitely Over Controversial Officiating

The NFF Refereeing Development Committee has suspended Adebayo Qudus from officiating in the Nigeria National League (NNL) after controversial decisions during the match between Gateway United and Sporting Lagos on May 24.

In a letter issued through the Oyo State Football Association, the committee cited Qudus’ actions in matchday 19 as breaches of the Laws of the Game. He was found guilty of awarding an “unjustified penalty” to Gateway United and making “several other decisions” that compromised the integrity of the match.

The committee emphasized that the referee’s conduct undermined fair play and tarnished the reputation of the game.

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

“I am therefore directed to notify you that you have been suspended indefinitely and with immediate effect from refereeing entirely.”

The match at Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode, which ended 2–1 in favour of Gateway United, was marred by controversy.

Sporting Lagos’ striker, Seun Akanji, had a goal disallowed despite the assistant referee signalling a goal. Akanji was booked by Qudus for protesting the decision.

Later, Akanji scored again, but the referee called it offside and issued him a second yellow card, resulting in his ejection from the game.