Kwara FA Suspends Referees Council Official, DollyP Academy Over Rule Violations

The Kwara State Football Association(FA) has suspended a top referees’ council official and a grassroots football academy over rule violations.

In an official communication signed by the Association’s secretary, Kashim Agaka, the assistant secretary of the Kwara State Referees Council, Mr. Surakat Taiye, was suspended indefinitely from all football-related activities with immediate effect.

The decision, according to the FA, followed repeated breaches involving the unauthorised appointment of referees to officiate matches without proper approval.

The Association noted that despite several warnings and assurances from the Referees Council that such actions would cease, the infractions persisted.

It stressed that the move was necessary to safeguard the credibility of officiating and ensure strict adherence to established statutes governing football in Kwara State.

As part of the sanctions, Mr. Taiye is barred from officiating, appointing match officials, or participating in any football engagements, official or otherwise, pending further review and a final decision by the FA.

The Referees Council has also been directed to strengthen its internal control mechanisms to prevent future occurrences.

In a related development, the FA also slammed an indefinite suspension on DollyP Football Academy, Ilorin, for organising a scouting competition without obtaining the required approval from the association.

The FA revealed that the Academy had earlier been cautioned against such actions but failed to comply with the laid-down regulations.

The suspension means the academy is prohibited from engaging in any football activities until further notice, as the FA reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on unauthorised competitions and disregard for regulatory procedures.

Copies of the disciplinary actions were forwarded to key football authorities, including the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Nigeria Football Referees Association (NFRA), as well as other relevant bodies.