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The Singapore referees' fraternity is fast losing patience with the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) Referees' Committee (RC), with one faction calling for RC chairman Mohamed Muzammil's resignation, and various individuals expressing disappointment at the current state of affairs.
In addition to various incidents of indiscretions, which include turning up late for games, and no-shows for assignments, TODAY had earlier revealed at least two referees were spotted officiating in matches not sanctioned by the FAS, an act in breach of the Referees' Code of Conduct.
Sources in the fraternity revealed that one of the referees - who was photographed in the act - was still included in the RC's list of individuals nominated to receive FIFA status, the highest classification for a football referee.
Referees TODAY spoke to all pointed to this as clear signs of bias and the deeply-rooted clique system within the fraternity.
"This truly reflects the current malaise that plagues the system," said one referee, an insider, in an anonymous email.
"This is all the more appalling when this decision was taken just a few days ago, amidst all the drama that unfolded negatively in the media last week.
"We do not wish to name ourselves as we have absolutely no faith in the current leadership, or the system headed by Mr Muzammil."
In a statement, the FAS said they have established the identities of the referees involved, are currently investigating the matter, and will "refer the matter to the FAS referees' disciplinary committee".
Sources also reveal that various non-FAS sanctioned events in the region pay significantly more: Up to US$100 (S$125) for a day of non-officiating, and up to US$500 (S$627) per day when on refereeing duties. Referees are paid $150 to officiate S-League fixtures.
Last week, former FIFA assistant referee Jarrod Lim confirmed with TODAY the issues afflicting the fraternity. The FAS have asserted they are willing to speak with individuals with information, but they only contacted Lim yesterday, a week after he came forward.
While some in the fraternity believe that the delay shows a lack of commitment towards remedying the situation, the FAS said in a statement: "It is unfortunate that Mr Lim chose to communicate via the media instead of communicating directly with FAS in good faith."
It added that it will be meeting Lim today to "listen to his feedback and clarify some of the statements he made".
"We have always valued feedback and constructive suggestions on how we can bring Singapore football forward, and we also take a serious view of complaints made against individuals within the organisation," said the FAS statement.
"Again, we would like to reiterate that we should not forget and discount the contributions and achievements of the large majority of our referees who remain dedicated, disciplined, and committed to improving the refereeing standards in Singapore."
- http://www.todayonline.com/Sports/EDC120720-0000061/Refs-cry-foul-over-new-controversy
In addition to various incidents of indiscretions, which include turning up late for games, and no-shows for assignments, TODAY had earlier revealed at least two referees were spotted officiating in matches not sanctioned by the FAS, an act in breach of the Referees' Code of Conduct.
Sources in the fraternity revealed that one of the referees - who was photographed in the act - was still included in the RC's list of individuals nominated to receive FIFA status, the highest classification for a football referee.
Referees TODAY spoke to all pointed to this as clear signs of bias and the deeply-rooted clique system within the fraternity.
"This truly reflects the current malaise that plagues the system," said one referee, an insider, in an anonymous email.
"This is all the more appalling when this decision was taken just a few days ago, amidst all the drama that unfolded negatively in the media last week.
"We do not wish to name ourselves as we have absolutely no faith in the current leadership, or the system headed by Mr Muzammil."
In a statement, the FAS said they have established the identities of the referees involved, are currently investigating the matter, and will "refer the matter to the FAS referees' disciplinary committee".
Sources also reveal that various non-FAS sanctioned events in the region pay significantly more: Up to US$100 (S$125) for a day of non-officiating, and up to US$500 (S$627) per day when on refereeing duties. Referees are paid $150 to officiate S-League fixtures.
Last week, former FIFA assistant referee Jarrod Lim confirmed with TODAY the issues afflicting the fraternity. The FAS have asserted they are willing to speak with individuals with information, but they only contacted Lim yesterday, a week after he came forward.
While some in the fraternity believe that the delay shows a lack of commitment towards remedying the situation, the FAS said in a statement: "It is unfortunate that Mr Lim chose to communicate via the media instead of communicating directly with FAS in good faith."
It added that it will be meeting Lim today to "listen to his feedback and clarify some of the statements he made".
"We have always valued feedback and constructive suggestions on how we can bring Singapore football forward, and we also take a serious view of complaints made against individuals within the organisation," said the FAS statement.
"Again, we would like to reiterate that we should not forget and discount the contributions and achievements of the large majority of our referees who remain dedicated, disciplined, and committed to improving the refereeing standards in Singapore."
- http://www.todayonline.com/Sports/EDC120720-0000061/Refs-cry-foul-over-new-controversy
