Published Wednesday, 04 January 2012
Sean Dolan's Club in the Creggan estate was extensively damaged during the blaze on 28 December.
Police originally said it was started accidentally but the next day they said the fire was sparked deliberately, after security footage was released showing people starting the blaze.
At the time of the incident, the police were criticised for missing vital evidence on the CCTV film.
On Wednesday, a police spokesperson said: "District Commander Chief Superintendent Stephen Martin has now referred the matter to the office of the Police Ombudsman who will carry out an independent examination of police actions".
Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney has welcomed the announcement.
"I would encourage anyone with any information or concerns about events before or after the fire - including the original investigation - to come forward and cooperate with the Ombudsman's investigation," he said.
"It is imperative that all of the facts about this fire are uncovered in order that we can demonstrate to the community that we not only have accountable policing but competent policing also."