The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Refereeing Development Committee has released sweeping new technical guidelines for match officials across the country’s domestic leagues ahead of the 2025/2026 season, set to begin on 22 August.
In a letter dated 18 June and addressed to the Chief Operating Officers of the NPFL, NNL, NWFL, and NNWL, the committee detailed the mandatory implementation of several recent FIFA and IFAB regulations, notably those aimed at improving match timekeeping, managing concussions, and reducing disruptions during games.
Key among the reforms is a strict instruction for referees to ensure the full 90 minutes of playing time is respected. Officials have been told to penalise any excessive delay—including celebrations, substitutions, or restart antics—with added time or disciplinary action.
“Goalkeepers must adhere to the 8-second rule when in possession. Violations will now be punished with corner kicks,” the document states.
Additionally, referees will now be expected to:
- Enforce “Captains Only” communication protocols between officials and teams.
- Caution players for time-wasting or unsportsmanlike behaviour,
- Issue stronger sanctions for mobbing and intimidation of referees.
The guidelines also address growing concerns over match-day substitutions. Clubs will be required to provide at least two substitution boards to avoid clustered, time-consuming player changes.
READ MORE: fifa-club-world-cup-full-round-one-recap-results-mvps-prize-money-attendance
On health and safety, the NFF emphasised that rules concerning concussions would now be strictly followed. A protocol involving referees, medical, and technical officials will guide assessment, substitution, and return-to-play decisions.
The committee has also requested that all matchday footage be shared with referee assessors to aid evaluation and development, while calling for pre-season interactive sessions between technical instructors, team captains, and managers to ensure alignment.
“This initiative is about fairness, clarity, and raising the standard of officiating,” said Mohammed Ameen, chairman of the NFF Refereeing Development Committee.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL
The Federation also urged clubs to invite instructors to help with player education ahead of the season.
