CAF bans Nigerian referee over ‘attempted manipulation’

Joseph Ogabor, a Nigerian referee, has been banned from officiating for one year over “attempted manipulation”.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF), in a statement on Sunday, said Ogabor’s ban was confirmed by its disciplinary board.

South African referee, Victor Gomes, claimed he was approached to fix the result of the African Confederation Cup first leg tie between Nigerian side Plateau United and USM Alger of Algeria.

He reported the matter CAF on April 7.

Plateau United won the game 2-1 but lost the second leg in Algeria a week later.

“The CAF Referees Committee on 28 April 2018, has confirmed the recommendation of the CAF Disciplinary Board to ban Nigeria referee Joseph Ogabor from any official mission for one year for attempted match manipulation with respect to the Total CAF Confederation Cup 1/16th round first leg between Plateau United (Nigeria) and USM Alger (Algeria) played on 7 April 2018 in Lagos,” the statement read.

“The decision follows investigations conducted and evidence submitted by the South African match officials of the said match, who were contacted by Ogabor to provide “technical assistance” to the Nigerian team.

“Also, Plateau United was cautioned to refrain from the practice of hospitality gifts which tend to create wrong impression.

“In a related development, the South African Football Association have been ordered to render an apology to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) after investigations proved there was no evidence of whatsoever of any official of the NFF regarding an allegation of US$30,000 bribe.”