Why such decision from FiFA

[Charles-Tim]

Let me just quote myself because I have already posted this on a thread not quite long but I want more people to see it to know if they will have better explanation.

Why did FIFA want South Africa referee in Nigeria versus Gabon?

I heard that South Africa was deducted 3 points and goals because of the complaints Nigeria filed against South Africa. South Africa will be the referee in the match.

With Africa Minister of sport spoke openly that he does not wish Nigeria to qualify.

The VAR is from Benin Republic. The country that supposed to qualify easily instead of South Africa easy qualification if Nigeria did not win Benin Republic but Nigeria won the team.

I have heard about this since last week or two weeks ago but I have just remember now after I saw the news again.

Why such decision from FiFA?

Why such decision from FiFA?

[Wiwo]

If you read about allegations of match fixing in games, this are the type of moves causes such allegations,  with everything that have transpired during the world cup qualifying stage, Nigeria should be taken as a country of special concern, having a South African referee on a Nigeria match will definitely increase the chances to speculate possible fraund in the officiating team if the match goes against Nigeria.

[crwth]

From what I have read, there are reasons for it, and it's not that hard to find. They say they are doing it for neutrality. It's pretty hard to gauge, but there are some conflicts; with a tad of politicking, it's hard to see the rationale.

Don't they have a selection criterion for referees? Maybe they can put out everything they did during the appointment process to help alleviate the pain of people who are against it.

[Doan9269]

If you read about allegations of match fixing in games, this are the type of moves causes such allegations

Well, I want to believe that there should be more reasons to that than this, they may not want to disclose them, but definitely when you see FIFA acting this manner, this shows that they must have seen something it heard about it before taking actions.

with everything that have transpired during the world cup qualifying stage, Nigeria should be taken as a country of special concern

Special concern again? IMO Nigeria is on it this remaining days of the year 2025 to end, Trump already said his own concerning the insecurities, now again to the FIFA, they are also a thing of special concern, this goes a long way, because things have gone wrong over time and too way forward regarding the system and how things are being practiced in Nigeria.

[Agbamoni]

I know referee issues has always been a problem in football due their inconsistency and bias mind of some officials. My suggestion for the players is for them to learn think skin in the game. Be endurance, have a strong state of mind to withstand whatever actions any referee may pull through in the game.

I think that is why I love Osimehn so much. He focus is one the game, when you are leading with 3 goals ahead, no matter what the officials want to do, play safe and defend the game.

[Charles-Tim]

If you read about allegations of match fixing in games, this are the type of moves causes such allegations,  with everything that have transpired during the world cup qualifying stage, Nigeria should be taken as a country of special concern, having a South African referee on a Nigeria match will definitely increase the chances to speculate possible fraund in the officiating team if the match goes against Nigeria.

But with what happened between Nigeria and South Africa, FIFA is biased in my opinion. There are many other countries that they can select the refee and the VAR from which will be better.

From what I have read, there are reasons for it, and it's not that hard to find. They say they are doing it for neutrality. It's pretty hard to gauge, but there are some conflicts; with a tad of politicking, it's hard to see the rationale.

Don't they have a selection criterion for referees? Maybe they can put out everything they did during the appointment process to help alleviate the pain of people who are against it.

Although, I am not asking for the reasons that are online. You should know already that this world is very complicated and there are a lot of things that can be hidden underneath. This is not neutrality for me but maybe FIFA does not want Nigeria to qualify. There are many countries in the world FIFA can choose referee from.


I just did 3 merits giveaway.

[palle11]

Why such decision from FiFA?

I think the fear for the Nigerian fans and football enthusiast is because of the statement that the south Africa sports minister made that he doesn't wish that the Nigerian team should qualify for the FIFA World Cup. Unfortunately, FIFA has assigned referees from South Africa to officiate same match few days time, I think on the 13th of this month. This is really a bias statement to make openly and to think that South Africa will be taking decision on the 90 minutes game deserve to be worried about.

Although I read that decision is being made to reassign new referees that are not from South Africa to officiate the match but if that is just rumour, the football association of Nigeria has to do something about it. They have the right to agitate for a change of referee to avoid bias representation and FIFA will listen to them and change those referees for fairness sake and fair play.

I'm believing that there are unrevealed politicking that only insides know about on this.

[Wakate]

If you read about allegations of match fixing in games, this are the type of moves causes such allegations,  with everything that have transpired during the world cup qualifying stage, Nigeria should be taken as a country of special concern, having a South African referee on a Nigeria match will definitely increase the chances to speculate possible fraund in the officiating team if the match goes against Nigeria.

We already know what could likely happen in this match and whether they like or not, if the super eagle team is up to do, they'll beat the Gabon team. I know that their are situations where this match can be compromised but do not be panicked because this is a game might favour the Nigerian team if they play exceptional to the extent where blowing against Nigeria will not shake the table.

[shinratensei_]

A mistake by FIFA by not reconsidering an offensive statement made by SAFA sport minister. It's so easy just simply changing the referee, and everything is solved. FIFA is just complicating itself rather than come with a win win solution for all of countries.
Seeing how sport minister of south africa blatantly said they are not willing to see Nigeria to qualify is just so dumb. I truly support the change of the referee to ensure fairness in the game.

[Charles-Tim]

Or is this a sign that FIFA is thanking Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for embezzling the million of dollars given NFF to build stadium in Nigeria?

One of the two stadium FiFA gave NFF $1.2 million

I still think there is something not right about FIFA taking referee and VAR from the countries that will want the downfall of Nigerian team.

[rakebit]

FIFA decisions often look strange from the outside, but referee selection usually follows regional neutrality or availability rules, not politics. Still, optics matter, using a referee from a country tied to recent disputes can raise suspicion. Transparency in appointments would help reduce bias talk.

Do you think FIFA should randomize referee assignments to avoid such debates?

[Merit.s]

If only the Super Eagles will be determined to win Gabon hands down in that match to thwart whatever, plans or intentions FIFA has and put shame on their faces.

There is how the Super Eagles performance will be that it will be impossible for the referee to blow biasly against them because it will be obvious and show some signs of unprofessionalism. Nobody knows the main purpose of this decision by FIFA.

[Sandra_hakeem]

If you read about allegations of match fixing in games, this are the type of moves causes such allegations,  with everything that have transpired during the world cup qualifying stage, Nigeria should be taken as a country of special concern, having a South African referee on a Nigeria match will definitely increase the chances to speculate possible fraund in the officiating team if the match goes against Nigeria.

I mean, it's concerning.. who wouldn't raise a suspicious eye after such abnormal policies were being made? I just know it's definitely going to affect the outcome of the games, but If some powerful people in bigger chambers know about this, then it's just their route to make plenty of money from it.

Or is this a sign that FIFA is thanking Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for embezzling the million of dollars given NFF to build stadium in Nigeria?
I still think there is something not right about FIFA taking referee and VAR from the countries that will want the downfall of Nigerian team.

Or maybe they have been fishy rumors surrounding this fact? Like, the NFF trying to manipulate the system through the indigenous referees and VARs?

[Sticky Bomb]

If you remember clearly, South African sports Minister blamed Nigeria as the cause of their points and goals deductions, signaling a bad blood between the two countries already and also citing that Benin Republic was eliminated from the qualifiers by Nigeria in what would've been an automatic qualification for them if they won, now these are two countries that have something against Nigeria being placed in the place of power in that match.

Now to answer your question directly, this might be a professionally test for these referees by FIFA but the risk isn't worth taking. If they become biased in their officiating procedures, they may be punished by FIFA but the damage would've been done already and they achieved their aim, I'm against that officiating buildup.

[Obim34]

Why such decision from FiFA?

Even if there is nothing in plan, it doesn't seem right following a few clashes from the South African side, we may have some biased judgments during the match. Our only way of surviving is for our players to perform well, score goals and defend their own post, avoid collecting a first card too early or any behavior to warrant a straight red card.

The Super Eagles can play right and win the game, its already been known that some other African nations, specifically South Africa don't want to see Nigeria qualify in the World Cup, as long we play a good game, we will win against Gabon.

[Btcslop]

Or is this a sign that FIFA is thanking Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for embezzling the million of dollars given NFF to build stadium in Nigeria?

One of the two stadium FiFA gave NFF $1.2 million

I still think there is something not right about FIFA taking referee and VAR from the countries that will want the downfall of Nigerian team.

Your observation isn’t entirely baseless, as some of FIFA’s decisions do raise serious questions. However, it’s important to analyze the matter deeply rather than viewing it only with suspicion. FIFA usually appoints referees and VAR officials to maintain neutrality, though at times their decisions may seem biased. The allegations of fund embezzlement by the Nigerian Football Federation are indeed grave, but no direct connection has yet been proven between that and FIFA’s referee selections. Therefore, instead of jumping to conclusions, we should call for transparency and accountability from FIFA—only then can true justice in football be achieved.

[Hispo]

If you read about allegations of match fixing in games, this are the type of moves causes such allegations,  with everything that have transpired during the world cup qualifying stage, Nigeria should be taken as a country of special concern, having a South African referee on a Nigeria match will definitely increase the chances to speculate possible fraund in the officiating team if the match goes against Nigeria.

Could it actually possible to see match fixing in African national teams like those allegations point out to?
Because one thing it is to assume there is some match fixing and fraud going on in smaller leagues or local / rural leagues where it is less likely for authorities to even care or launch and investigation on players, but a national team it is different, it would imply there are very important people, like politicians or business people, involved in a crime syndicate to push players in the national team to play in favor of the money stacked by the syndicate and those involved.

I did not know that level of corruption in African football could be so incredibly high...

[SatoPrincess]

Or is this a sign that FIFA is thanking Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for embezzling the million of dollars given NFF to build stadium in Nigeria?

One of the two stadium FiFA gave NFF $1.2 million

I still think there is something not right about FIFA taking referee and VAR from the countries that will want the downfall of Nigerian team.

Right. So you embezzle money meant for a football stadium then FIFA response is to set you up with a referee to ensure you lose the World Cup qualifiers. No, I don’t think so. The decision to bring in a South African referee was not the wisest decision but I won’t pin it on the recent events between NFF and FIFA.

[tsaroz]

Let me just quote myself because I have already posted this on a thread not quite long but I want more people to see it to know if they will have better explanation.

Why such decision from FiFA?

Interesting observation and yes it would have been better if FIFA had scheduled a different referee for the match. There are clear rules in FIFA for practicing neutrality while appointing a referee and it not only include the nationality of the referee but also need to have no conflict of interest.

https://thenationonlineng.net/nigeria-v-gabon-nff-protests-fifa-official-appointments-for-w-cup-play-off/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Apparently not only South African referee but there are also assistant referee from South Africa and Benin. Nigeria seems to have officially protested the decision and like in the past, FIFA could ultimately change the decision in last minute and appoint a new referee. It would not give a good message to force some staff even when FIFA has a larger set to choose from.

[SatoPrincess]

It could be that FIFA may be thinking that South Africa has already qualified for the World Cup but how do they explain bring in a referees from Benin Republic- a country Nigeria beat 4 nil last month to revive their chances at the World Cup. FIFA should have also considered the fact that South Africa’s sports minister made some malicious comments against Nigeria. You don’t go something like that if you want a tournament that’s free of conspiracy theories and allegations.