Twenty referees will soon be taking the field after successfully completing a three day OFC/ Fiji FA Referees Introductory Course at Fiji FA Headquarters in Vatuwaqa last weekend.
Fiji Football Association chief executive officer Mohammed Yusuf while officially opening the course said it was amazing to see the interest from the young participants.
“It’s good see all youth boys and girls taking interest in refereeing and this is something Fiji FA is committed in developing players as well referees in the country.”
Yusuf said he was glad to see the enthusiasm in the participants to take up refereeing.
“Some female participants taking part in this course as a career,”
“I am sure if you are dedicated and passionate about it, it can take you long way.” Yusuf said to the participants.
He told the participants that referees earned more than football players.
“There has been so much competition grown up by FIFA, likewise Oceania Football and Fiji FA and there is so much demand for refereeing, “he said
“You will not be fully satisfied when you start refereeing, you may make mistakes and our society is such they will never praise you but will have to have a thick skin and move forward.”
“Once you have achieved that status and become a FIFA referee and assistant referee and are selected in a FIFA World Cup finals or be part of the panel who earn about more than $20 thousand USD dollars per tournament plus everything is paid for, “said Yusuf
Yusuf said Fiji FA has also increased the rate for referees.
“We want you to excel and see if you want to be a referee or assistant referee and you dedicate yourself to that role because there is lots of opportunities,”
He said there was huge opportunities for women referees
“Opportunities for women refereeing is in demand and countries like New Zealand and Tonga and they have more women FIFA referees and it’s great to see some of the female participants eager to learn refereeing.
Yusuf reminded the participants not take refereeing as a leisure activity.
“Don’t take it as a leisure activity, don’t think you not a good footballer you cannot be a good referee,” said Yusuf
“Some of the referees never played football but they excelled and keep your self-dedicated and you will for sure excel in your career,” added Yusuf
“I urge you all to devote yourself and create a desire and passion for football and refereeing,” concluded Yusuf
The three-day course was conducted by OFC Instructors Rakesh Varman, Finau Vulivuli and Salend Kumar
