Why such decision from FiFA

[Nathrixxx]

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.

It could be, I've learnt one this about life, most of the speculations we do so called rumours are often the exact situation, just that we lack the right evidence in proving them right, if we could from our end reason in such manners, then expect FIFA that are mainly concerned to have also thought in same or similar manner before taking their decisions.

[Rruchi man]

... 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.

The odds of winning that game are already stacking up against the Super Eagles. I believe it should be their job to ensure that they beat the odds by winning this game cleanly, ensuring not to put themselves in a position where the officials can influence the game against them.

They have to try not to foul players and score goals that cannot be ruled out. If they can do this, the officials of the game will have no power.

The players should take this as a driving factor to influence their performance for the better.

[lionheart78]

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.

The news said the point deduction was for fielding an ineligible player.  No where it stated that it has something to do with the Nigerian complaint.  Probably the timing makes it look so.

CAPE TOWN, Sept 29 (Reuters) - South Africa have been stripped of three points in their World Cup qualifying campaign for fielding an ineligible player, denting their hopes of reaching next year’s finals.

But sure, it was a huge controversy why FIFA assigned South Africa, which is the biggest contender, to a very important match for Nigeria.  There is something that most people don't know that is cooking in this tournament.  FIFA is not thinking of the possible consequences and issues with their decision.  Having South Africa as the center referee and more South African officials to fit the other referee roles, this is sure to be a conflict of interest in the eyes of the Nigerian camp.

[BIT-BENDER]

I don't know if any reply has told you yet but not only is a South African referee officiating the match between Nigeria and Gabon also there is a referee from Benin Republic who will be part of the video assistant referee's team.
I don't know why FIFA made such decision, the match has already drawn negative vibes, South Africa and Benin Republic were In the Nigerian world cup qualifiers group and there is no need making this type of Decision.

[Mate2237]

We should remove politics from football because, I don't see anything wrong in FIFA or even CAF choosing a referee from anywhere to officiating the Nigeria vs Gabon game that,is coming up. FIFA chooses only the best Referees to officiates these types games. We should be careful with the way that we reacts to some matters because we may be indirectly accusing FIFA of corruption when in actually fact there is nothing like that.



From what I can get from your post all I can see is FIFA trying to bring match officials from a section of the continent that doesn't wants Nigeria to qualify for the world cup. Even if the Referee and the VAR official you are mentioning is from South Africa or Benin Republic which coincidentally was in Nigeria's group, I don't see anything wrong because what they are going to use in officiating the match is the laws of football.

[promise444c5]

That’s not fair at all.. and it’s even coming directly from FIFA

The news said the point deduction was for fielding an ineligible player.  No where it stated that it has something to do with the Nigerian complaint.  Probably the timing makes it look so.

Yeah, I just confirmed this too… there was no complaint from the NFF or its bodies and neither was there any complaint from other bodies. Even their main opponent for the game, Lesotho, didn’t file anything. Maybe an article created some misinformation because there are lots of bloggers here sharing wrong info at times.

But McKenzie accused Nigeria of working against South Africa’s qualification.
This were his words from a Radio 947 interview in Johannesburg:

“I knew what they did behind the scenes for us not to get there (qualify for the World Cup). I want them to lose; they will not go to the World Cup, and another African country must go,”

Source
There’s no evidence, so this could actually be misinterpreted to the public the other way round by bloggers.

[Juicyhome]

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.

This Trust issue is destroying Africa football, we believe things are compromised and not merited, tell me why this is a concern if we believe in professionalim. But the continent is a corrupt one, we lack trust among ourselves. FIFA will not change the Referee, let dem prove themselves that they can be professional. Nigeria should stop complaining, the ref is no going to touch the ball, if Nigeria play well the Ref won't stop their win.  Nigeria and South Africa are not good friends, they always fight each other, in the game of football, everyone is equal and FIFA must ensure they protect FIFA fair play act in this game.

[Furball808]

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.

Hmm could this be FIFA’s way of stealing attention and making some controversial decisions to keep the fans and spectators interested to watch. We know that controversial calls often make big headlines so maybe they are doing that or maybe they just didn’t care enough.

Do they have some kind of agenda?

[abaeze]

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?

Although people have a good perception of FIFA or CAF, recently some issues have faced doubts and criticism in the media and public, which has created controversy. In this situation, FIFA or CAF should appoint referees who do not have any recent controversies or allegations related to their country or team. This is good for everyone in terms of fairness and transparency, because the real beauty of the game is when no one doubts the match results. When politics and sports are at odds, the real beauty of the game is lost.

[uchegod-21]

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.

This Trust issue is destroying Africa football, we believe things are compromised and not merited, tell me why this is a concern if we believe in professionalim. But the continent is a corrupt one, we lack trust among ourselves. FIFA will not change the Referee, let dem prove themselves that they can be professional. Nigeria should stop complaining, the ref is no going to touch the ball, if Nigeria play well the Ref won't stop their win.  Nigeria and South Africa are not good friends, they always fight each other, in the game of football, everyone is equal and FIFA must ensure they protect FIFA fair play act in this game.

I like the fact that FIFA's decision to use a South African referee is causing some kind of concern on social media. Even if there were some sort of ulterior motives behind the appointment,  now that those involved know that all eyes are on them, they wouldn’t want to tarnish their image publicly. I know that a lot of things have been said which has triggered this concerns online, that does not mean that if one team plays well, they'll not be given their deserving merits. This is something we will all watch and give our verdict at the end. Instead of complaining, the Super Eagles team should work hard towards emerging victorious so that any act of misconduct will be noticed clearly by all.

[Raflesia]

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.

The current issue is Nigeria which feels the appointment of the South African referee stemmed from a previous dispute between Nigeria and South Africa which was still tense due to the pressure surrounding the punishment given to Bafana Bafana.

I believe this drama adds spice to the match in the second round although protesting it might be difficult with the match only two days away.
Hopefully, there won't be any further drama even though the referee can no longer be replaced and can officiate fairly.

[Mindyspace]

It's hard to understand these FIFA decisions; sometimes it seems like they do it on purpose to create controversy. Well, it's obvious, you know? It might even be a coincidence, but you can understand why people are suspicious, really...

[Charles-Tim]

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.

Even without South Africa sport ministry saying that, I do not think it is a wise idea for FIFA to use someone from South Africa as the referee because Nigeria and South Africa are not really in good term in this ongoing world cup qualification. I hope this will only make Nigerian players strong and win the match.

It's hard to understand these FIFA decisions; sometimes it seems like they do it on purpose to create controversy. Well, it's obvious, you know? It might even be a coincidence, but you can understand why people are suspicious, really...

I am very sure that it is not a coincidence, FIFA know what they are doing but I do not understand the reason.