"Referees Incentivized To Restore Public Confidence" - Dr Amoah

Dr. Kofi Amoah, President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Normalisation Committee (NC) has said, officials for the upcoming GFA Normalisation Special Cup, are expected to adhere to strict code of ethics, as they have been well incentivized.

Dr Amoah in his address at the launch of the competition said, the competition would seek to test some of the reforms proposed by the NC, to restore confidence back to Ghana football.

He said officiating was key, to restoring public confidence in the game hence, the need to incentivize referees.

"This competition would also test some of the reforms or proposals we want to bring on board to make Ghana football much better. For instance, we believe referees must be well incentivized and made to adhere to strict code of ethics to protect the sanctity of refereeing.

“For this competition, we have decided to increase the allowance for match officials and they would also be subjected to a strict code of ethics of zero contact with officials of matches, they have been assigned to before match day, among other ethical standards. We also want to test rapid adjudication of cases and also encourage the clubs to play on quality pitches," he said.

"The onus of bringing back confidence in the game across the country lies on all stakeholders and I wish to call on all to join hands and use this competition as part of the process of restoring confidence in the game.

"In our continuous quest to protect the sanctity of refereeing in Ghana and restore public confidence, we requested assistance from FIFA for a referees integrity training, which was held on January, 27 in Sogakope, in preparation for the official return of domestic football in Ghana.

“We are hopeful these referees who have made the FIFA list and have undergone further integrity training will live above reproach and adhere strictly to the tenets of their profession and the beautiful game."

The GFA Normalisation Special Cup, competition for all 64 Premier and Division One league clubs would kick off from this Saturday, March 30.