Former FIFA-badged Nigerian referee Ifabumuyi dies at 74

Abayomi Ifabumuyi, a former FIFA-badged Nigerian referee, has died at the age of 74.

Ifabumuyi, who hailed from Owo in Ondo State, died on Tuesday in Akure.

Confirming the development in a statement, his younger brother, Wale Ifabumuyi, who is a football coach, said that the family of the renowned referee was shocked and devastated.

According to him, the FIFA-badged referee is survived by four children and three siblings.

“We have indeed lost a rare gem and quintessential sports personality who contributed immensely to the growth and development of football.

“Yomi, as he was fondly called by his admirers, was a fearless, vocal, resourceful, highly cerebral and ebullient person,” he said.

He said the burial arrangements of the renowned referee would be made public in due course.