NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has said that in recent times, football leagues across the globe have experienced a significant transformation, not only in the quality of play but also in how the sport is managed, especially when it comes to the welfare and development of referees and match officials.

He said One of the most impactful changes has been spearheaded by a new streaming company based in London. "This organization has taken it upon itself to broadcast weekly matches across 120 countries, offering fans an unprecedented opportunity to engage with live football like never before" .

"Through this collaboration, the spotlight is not just on the players but on the officials as well, ensuring transparency and integrity in the game" .

According to him, "For years, the issue of match officials not receiving their allowances on time plagued football leagues. There were countless stories of referees struggling to make ends meet due to delayed payments, leading to compromised officiating standards" .

The President said  all of that has changed. "Under my administration, a promise was made, and more importantly, it was kept. Referees and match officials now receive their allowances before heading into matches, a practice that has become the new norm. This change has erased the ugly memories of the past four to five years when referees faced challenges due to unpaid dues".

'"The partnership with Premier Trust Bank has also played a pivotal role in this transformation. The bank has agreed to provide kits for all match commissioners and officials, raising their profile and creating a sense of pride and professionalism among them. When you watch the matches on TV now, it's hard not to notice the well-equipped and highly motivated officials patrolling the pitch, a far cry from the disorganized scenes of previous seasons". 

"This transformation is evident not only in the quality of officiating but also in the response from the fans. With two live matches being televised every week, excitement is brewing among the audience. The stadiums are beginning to fill up once again as fans flock to see their favorite teams in action, confident that the best team will emerge victorious thanks to fair officiating". 

He said perhaps one of the most remarkable changes in the league is the renewed focus on young referees." Last season, many referees were suspended for various reasons, and none were brought back without proper investigation. In their place, a new generation of referees has emerged, thanks to the introduction of an innovative referee training program" .

"The recent MA Course was a game-changer in this regard. The course was divided into two sections: one for elite referees and one for junior referees. The junior referees, a group of forty, are all under the age of 20, and their development has been entrusted to FIFA instructors. Twenty young boys and girls were selected from this group, and today, 10 of them are already participating in the current league season".

"These young referees are a beacon of hope for the future. They are not only passionate about football but also possess the intelligence and technical skills required to understand and enforce the ever-evolving laws of the game. Being a referee is not just about blowing a whistle; it requires knowledge, adaptability, and computer literacy. These young talents are proving that they have what it takes to lead the game into a brighter future".

Gusau said with a focus on their development, the hope is that they will rise to intercontinental and even international levels of officiating. Their commitment to the game is already evident, and by the grace of God, they will change the narrative for referees in football, making them an integral part of the sport's future.

In conclusion, he said the efforts to improve the welfare of referees and match officials, coupled with the development of young referees, have laid the foundation for a brighter future for football. As the league continues to grow, with fans returning to the stadiums and a commitment to excellence on and off the field, the future of the sport looks more promising than ever.