Gambian referee caught in Anas investigation steps aside from refereeing

The Gambian referee caught in the investigation by undercover reporter, Anas Aremeyaw Anas, Ebrima Jallow has announced his decision to step aside from all refereeing matters until investigation into the bribery allegation is fully completed.

In a statement, Jallow said he took the personal decision to step aside. He indicated that he has informed the Gambia Football Federation, the Gambia Football Referees Association and the Gambia Football Referees Committee of the decision.

“I am not in any moment under due pressure to step aside but to act within the ambits of professionalism and acting on my own conscience while I am being named and filmed in the video, to do away from my career until all matters of investigation are completed,” he said.

Jallow also profusely apologized saying, “I finally apologize to the general public for my act of gross misconduct causing me a disruption to a sport I cherish. My reserved apologies go to the Gambia Football Federation that has always trusted me since the beginning of my career, my colleagues at the Referees Association and Committee especially the junior ones that are looking up to me as a reference and role model.”

Anas did an Africa wide investigation with the BBC known as ‘Betraying the Game’ in which more than 100 referees and officials were caught on camera receiving cash before football games.

A Kenyan FIFA referee set to officiate at this year’s World Cup in Russia, Adel Range Marwa who was also caught in the video receiving a $600 bribe before a game has resigned after the film was broadcast. Meanwhile in Ghana, not one referee or football official has resigned two days after the Ghana version of the investigation Number 12 was aired in the country. The president of the Ghana Football Association, Kwesi Nyantakyi, who was caught in the video receiving a bribe and scheming to help investors to bribe the President of Ghana, his Vice and some ministers of state for lucrative contracts hasn’t resigned yet, but the world football governing body, FIFA has banned him for 90 days pending further investigation into the matter. Nyantakyi is FIFA Council member.

By Emmanuel K. Dogbevi
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