NNL Sanctions Mighty Jets GM For Threatening Referee Integrity

By AFFA ACHO

The Nigeria National League (NNL) has handed a one-match ban to the General Manager of Mighty Jets FC, Ferdinand Mbum, for comments made before his team’s Matchday 12 victory over Lobi Stars, which the league’s Disciplinary Committee deemed a threat to the impartiality and safety of match officials.

The incident occurred during the mandatory pre-match meeting prior to the fixture at the Zaria Road Stadium in Jos. According to findings by the committee, Mbum allegedly made statements that crossed the line from competitive ambition into intimidation.

He was reported to have insisted that his team “must win” the game and further claimed that referees who had previously officiated matches in Jos had consistently cheated visiting teams without facing any repercussions.

The NNL Disciplinary Committee ruled that these remarks were capable of inciting hostility and creating a toxic environment that undermines the independence of referees.

The verdict emphasised that such statements put officials under undue psychological pressure and could compromise their safety and decision-making.

While Mighty Jets secured a narrow 1–0 victory on the pitch, the club now faces the consequence of its official’s conduct. Mbum has been suspended from all duties for one home match and issued a stern warning.

The league authorities have made it clear that any future violations of its code of conduct by the administrator will result in much harsher penalties.

This ruling underscores the NNL’s ongoing commitment to enforcing stricter professional standards in Nigeria’s second-tier football division.

By taking disciplinary action against club officials, the league aims to protect the integrity of the game and ensure a safe, unbiased environment for all match officials.