NPFL Referees Set To Use Communication Gadgets While On The Pitch

After the opening Premier League match between Rangers International and Wkki Tourists, which was played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium in Enugu on Saturday and ended in a goalless draw, the President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, revealed that referees will be wearing communication gadgets while officiating in Nigerian Premier League matches this season.

Gusau gave assurances that there will be numerous enhancements in the new league season, adding that the references will no longer go to the assistant referees to ask questions.

According to the NFF president, the devices will give referees and their helpers a platform for communication without putting them in close proximity to one another.

“You will see that our referees begin using communication devices next week. Now that they can talk to themselves, referees won’t need to visit AR to start asking them questions.

In response to a question on whether Video Assistant Reference (VAR) will be utilized during the season, he stated that the Federation wants to make sure that skilled and experienced staff are available to handle the technology prior to its entrance into the league.

He did, however, reassure that the NFF will begin with staff training and retraining, pointing out that VAR is difficult to administer.

Reference and Citation

dailypost.ng – NFF introduces communication gadgets for NPFL referees

leadership.ng – Referees To Wear Communication Gadgets During Matches— NFF

thisdaylive.com – NPFL Referees to Use Communication Aides, Learn VAR for New Season

pulsesports.ng – Here We Go: NPFL refs to use communication aides, learn VAR for new season