Tony Elumelu, a prominent Nigerian business leader and philanthropist, has formally requested that FIFA boost the level of refereeing at the 2026 World Cup. He warned that if officiating standards remain inconsistent, the overall credibility of professional soccer could suffer.
Through his X account, Elumelu celebrated the African nations competing in the tournament. He noted that their participation showcased the rising caliber of football across the continent and brought honor to African fans globally. The Heirs Holdings chairman specifically thanked these squads for demonstrating their talent and competitive spirit on such a significant platform.
Despite his praise, Elumelu highlighted a pressing need for reform within FIFA regarding match control. He explicitly stated that flawed refereeing decisions threaten the future of the sport, urging governing officials to take immediate action to resolve these concerns.
