MBABANE – The EFA confirmed that match officials accused of bias are assessed solely by the National Referee Committee’s merit system to determine their future.
Following a wave of criticism regarding the standard of whistleblowing in the recent Ingwenyama Cup Last 16 fixture between Mbabane Highlanders and Nsingizini Hotspurs at the Mavuso Sports Centre, the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) has clarified that any potential suspensions or the axing of referees will not be reactionary.
The EFA Marketing and Communications Manager, Muzi ‘Rhoo’ Radebe, revealed that such decisions are instead dictated by the performance scores and merits recorded by the RC. “The referees are being monitored by the RC, and the EFA relies on reports from them as our duty is to train the referees through local and international workshops,” Radebe said.
He further explained that the RC advises the Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane-led organisation on the appropriate steps to take regarding implicated referees. “Suspensions are guided by the merits provided by the RC,” he added.
The association highlighted that the merit system is designed to act as a filter, ensuring that only those who maintain high standards of integrity and accuracy remain on the panel.
The EFA added that officials whose merits fall below the required threshold due to questionable or biased decisions will be referred to the Disciplinary Committee (DC) or face immediate suspension.
A source from the RC stated that the EFA does not suspend referees based on public outcry alone, as there is a structured process to determine whether an official is fit to continue or should be sidelined.
This stance comes as a direct response to concerns that biased officiating is tarnishing the reputation of the local game. The EFA has reiterated that while they do not condone violence or pitch invasions, they are equally committed to ensuring fairness on the field.
It is worth noting that on Sunday, Mbabane Highlanders supporters invaded the pitch with just a minute left to play, baying for the blood of referee Celumusa Sphepho. The fans accused Sphepho of denying Highlanders a clear penalty in the dying moments of the match. Only the quick intervention of the police prevented what could have been a fatal day for Eswatini football.
On a broader scale, in major tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Confederation of African Football (CAF) employs a more immediate ‘exit’ system.
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