Retired FIFA Assistant Referee Patrick Papala has commended the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for its recent financial uplift for match officials, describing it as “an excellent move” that will significantly improve the profession.
Speaking on Sports Express, Papala, who recently completed the GFA License D coaching course, expressed satisfaction with the GFA’s revised referee remuneration package.
The new policy sees FIFA-accredited referees receiving GHS 2,500 per match, while non-FIFA referees are set to earn GHS 2,000.
“It’s an excellent move by the FA. We’ve been fighting for this for a while, and some of us didn’t enjoy the fruits of that fight. The FA has done well by upgrading and putting up these structures for the referees. It will go a long way to help them in their endeavors,” he said.
Papala, who now teaches Physical Education at Wenchi Methodist Senior High School, recalled the stark contrast in earnings during his time as an active referee.
“We were earning a little above GHS 1,000 per game, which included accommodation, transport, and feeding. Sometimes, if your venue wasn’t covered by the FA’s transport deal, you had to bear the full cost yourself,” he explained.
In addition to the financial raise, Papala also praised the introduction of life insurance and critical illness cover for referees, which were not available during his officiating career.
“You risk travelling long distances, sometimes overnight, and previously there was no insurance. What the FA has done now with the medical and family benefits is superb. It will go a long way to protect referees both on and off the pitch,” he added.
Papala’s comments add to growing support for the GFA’s latest reforms aimed at improving officiating standards and the welfare of referees across all levels of Ghanaian football.
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Story by: Simon Owusu Prempeh|univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Pius Asack
