Sports News of Friday, 7 November 2014

Source: ghanasoccernet.com

Referees Association in allegations of nepotism, tribalism

Ghana’s Refereeing Association (RAG) have been embroiled in allegations of nepotism and tribalism with fears it could lead to revolt.

The hierarchy of RAG has been accused of favouritism and running the association as ‘family business’ with the appointment of referees for Premier League matches hugely influenced

Akans are mostly marginalized with the majority of officials appointed either being Ewes or Gas, which is just one of the major allegations leveled against the referee’s umbrella body.

FIFA referee Samuel K Gyasi has threatened to walk out on the job if he’s demoted from the top-flight.

The 43-year-old feels he’s been unfairly treated after his name was omitted from the list of referees expected to officiate this season.

While RAG claims he failed his mandatory fitness test, the Nsawam-based referee has launched a staunch defense insisting he’s fully qualified to handle matches in the Ghanaian top-tier.

“If they want me to stop Refereeing, they should tell me point blank that master retire than taking me to division one from FIFA to division one is very disheartening,” he told newly established Starr FM.

“Before somebody should be taking away from the job, that person should be forty five years.

“That is what the constitution says and am forty three so you realized that I have two more years left and apart from that one it’s about fitness too and if somebody is not able to do the 12 rounds of fitness test and no one is telling me anything then am seriously disappointed “.

“Seriously division one I don’t believe I will go. It’s even an insult that I move from FIFA then you go to division one then its better I just retire and then keep my name where it is”. Gyasi stated.

The referees umbrella body has parried the allegations and insists appointment are done on merit.