Football referee Faro Abdulrahman has called for comprehensive reforms within the Nigerian refereeing system, urging stakeholders to address concerns surrounding fitness testing, recruitment, career progression, welfare and the overall development of match officials.
Speaking to Sports247, Abdulrahman said State Referees Council Chairmen, Training Officers and Secretaries have a crucial role to play in identifying challenges at grassroots level and presenting constructive recommendations to the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA).
He stressed that reforms should focus on strengthening the institution, improving referees’ welfare and creating a sustainable pathway for young officials.
According to Abdulrahman, refereeing should be recognised as a profession rather than treated as a hobby, with greater attention given to professional education, career development and post-retirement opportunities.
He also called for a more transparent and merit-based promotion structure, proposing regular fitness assessments, examinations, technical evaluations and performance monitoring from the grassroots.
While acknowledging the importance of physical fitness, Abdulrahman advocated a review of the existing 12-lap fitness-test requirement where necessary, arguing that fitness should form part of a broader assessment system.
He believes referees who consistently meet fitness standards, pass examinations and demonstrate competence and good performances should have a clear pathway through the various cadres.
The proposal, he said, could help reduce congestion at the NLO level while creating stronger opportunities for deserving officials to progress towards the NNL and higher levels.
Abdulrahman also addressed perceptions of favouritism in referee promotions, insisting that clearly defined criteria would improve confidence in the process. He suggested that referees who spend two years at NLO level and consistently meet the required standards should be eligible to participate in NNL grading exercises.
On youth development, he praised the Young Talent Referee Seminar, describing it as an important initiative that gives emerging officials a clearer vision of what they can achieve.
“The Young Talent Referee Seminar has created an opportunity for young referees to see what is possible. It gives them something to work towards and encourages them to develop themselves.”
He urged stakeholders to strengthen the programme and integrate it into a wider national referee-development framework covering training, mentorship, fitness, assessment and promotion.
The referee further called for improved welfare, including timely indemnities, transportation, professional development and post-retirement support, as well as a safe communication channel where officials can raise concerns without fear of victimisation.
Abdulrahman maintained that reform should not be viewed as an attack on individuals but as an investment in Nigerian football.
“We owe it to the young referees coming behind us to build a system where refereeing is respected as a profession, where welfare is taken seriously, and where progression is based on merit, fitness, knowledge and performance—not connections.”
