Caf Bans Nigerian Referee Over Match Fixing Claims

Caf Bans Nigerian Referee Over Match Fixing Claims

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has banned a Nigerian referee, Joseph Ogabor, for one year over an alleged attempt to manipulate a match he officiated.

This was confirmed in a statement on CAF’s official website on Sunday which said the decision follows investigations conducted and evidence submitted by the South African match officials of the said match, following a meeting with Ogabor to provide “technical assistance” to the Nigerian team.

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 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.