Three referees were suspended in May for allegedly being involved in match manipulation. FKF President Nick Mwendwa has defended the FKF Premier League referees, asserting that they performed well last season despite widespread complaints from clubs over controversial decisions made by the officials.....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Throughout the season, clubs expressed frustration with how some matches were officiated, with some even accusing referees of possible match manipulation. In May, three referees— Meshack Kobilo, Jacqueline Barongo, and Stephen Adeya —were banned on suspicion of engaging in such activities.
As the new campaign kicks off on Saturday, Mwendwa was asked if he believes there is an officiating problem in Kenya’s top tier. He dismissed the notion, stating that the teams complaining about poor officiating are simply bad losers.
“Most of the clubs making complaints about officiating are those that lost a match. Did you ever hear any club complain after winning? Ask those clubs why the noise about poor officiating is heard whenever they lose a game,” Mwendwa told SportsBoom.
He went on to praise the officials who handled the league matches last season, urging clubs to be fair in their complaints.
“We are not in a position to discuss refereeing now. The men in black did a good job. I repeat, all those clubs coming to us with complaints do so, especially when they lose. If the clubs want to be fair, let them come to us when they win a game so we can see the difference.”
Mwendwa also highlighted that match officials undergo rigorous training as per FIFA standards and that the selection process is transparent, ensuring only the best handle the games.
“Referees train every season to meet the high FIFA standards required. This process is now automated. They receive what they are supposed to get and receive the highest training. There is no business; there is nothing. If you make it, you make it, but you have to work.”
The 2024–25 FKF Premier League campaign gets underway on Saturday…CONTINUE READING>>
