Former FIFA-badged Nigerian referee, Ifabumuyi is dead

Abayomi Ifabumuyi, a distinguished Nigerian referee who once held the coveted FIFA badge, has passed away. The 74-year-old referee, hailing from Owo in Ondo State, breathed his last in Akure, the capital city, on Tuesday.

The news of Ifabumuyi’s demise was confirmed in an official statement, with his younger brother, Wale Ifabumuyi, a football coach, expressing the family’s deep sorrow and shock at the loss. The veteran referee’s contributions to the realm of football were extensive and widely acknowledged.

Survived by four children and three siblings, Abayomi Ifabumuyi’s legacy in the world of sports is indelible. His influence on the growth and development of football, both nationally and globally, leaves a lasting mark. Affectionately referred to as “Yomi” by those who admired him, Ifabumuyi embodied fearlessness, eloquence, resourcefulness, and an infectious enthusiasm for the beautiful game.

Wale Ifabumuyi eloquently captured his brother’s impact on the sport, stating, “We have indeed lost a rare gem and quintessential sports personality who contributed immensely to the growth and development of football.”