NFF steps down referee of Heartland vs Shooting Stars indefinitely

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Refereeing Development Unit has relieved Kolawole Emmanuel of duties following his officiating of Heartland’s 2-1 victory over Shooting Stars on Sunday.

This decision was conveyed in a letter addressed to the official through the Kwara State Football Association by Mohammed Mohammed Ameenu on behalf of the NFF Referees’ Committee Chairman.

It reads in part: “Reference to your decisions that adversely affect not only the outcome of the match between Heartland FC and Shooting Stars played on Sunday, 16th February 2025, wherein you awarded penalties that were not in line with the provisions of the Laws of the Game.

“In a similar perspective, the Referee Assessor failed in his duty by not only refusing to report such a glaring display of impunity but also trying to justify the decisions taken by his Referee.

 “Your actions did not only negatively affect the outcome of the match but equally bring the game to disrepute. I am, therefore, directed to notify you that you have been stepped down indefinitely and with immediate effect from the league.”