Refereeing standards good but...

Courtesy of Gilbert Wandera/The Standard

By Gilbert Wandera

Football Kenya has defended itself against accusations that it gave a short notice to some referees to attend last week’s Cooper Test in Nairobi.

A Fifa Instructor’s report on local referees showed a worrying percentage of the whistlers are unfit.

Speaking on the matter, the head of the referees committee Aziz Mohammed argued that referees must be ready at any time to undertake the physical test.

"As a referee you must always be ready at any time to be called upon to do anything that pertains to your duty," he said.

He said referees were informed two days before the Cooper Test was undertaken arguing it was enough time for everyone invited.

He blamed Kenya Premier League (KPL) for the current standoff between the two associations and insisted it is FKL’s mandate to appoint referees.

Aziz warned of unspecified action against the KPL if the matter is not resolved soon including ‘suspending’ all the clubs taking part in the league.

"We are watching and have the powers to suspend the clubs for taking part in a league not sanctioned by FKL," he threatened.

Tusker coach James Nandwa complained that the absence of top Fifa referees in the premier league had initially affected the quality of officiating but there is now a slight improvement.

"Some referees were not up to the task and were clearly not ready to handle the league. That is why we need them to come together though right now there is a slight improvement," said Nandwa.

He expressed confidence that once the standoff is sorted out clubs will have confidence in the whistlers.

"The confidence is slowly coming back that is why a team like AFC Leopards can win in Sony but more needs to be done," he added.

Mathare United coach Francis Kimanzi while declining to comment directly on the performance of referees said he has noted some improvement over the last few months.

"You can see that those who mess commit genuine mistakes and there are those who are doing a good job," said Kimanzi.