In a blistering critique, former FIFA referee and match commissioner, David Gikonyo, has accused the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) of mistreating and intimidating referees, shedding light on significant challenges faced by officials under the federation’s purview.Gikonyo did not mince words when he declared, “Referees need to be respected. FKF should not intimidate referees but instead allow them to execute their duties.” These remarks underscore a call for a culture shift within the FKF to ensure referees can carry out their responsibilities without fear or intimidation.Stagnant referee payments since 2015Expressing frustration, Gikonyo pointed out a critical issue plaguing Kenyan referees, stating, “Payment to referees has never been increased since 2015. Referees need to be paid better, 11400 is the maximum a referee they can get yet they travel far away and spend so much.” This revelation highlights the financial strain on referees, who endure lengthy periods without compensation, affecting their ability to perform at their best.Quantity over quality in referee appointmentsGikonyo’s critique extends to the FKF Premier League’s approach to referee appointments. He stated, “The FKFPL has 145 referees officiating games of 18 teams, and that is why most of them underperform since they only get a league assignment after 3 months.” This observation raises concerns about the compromised quality of officiating due to an emphasis on quantity rather than a more selective approach based on experience and training.Hussein Mohammed alleges violation of his rights by FKF, demands justice##NAJAVA_MECA_7781596##Independent Referee Appointment Committee neededAddressing concerns of bias and compromise, Gikonyo proposes the creation of an independent referee appointment committee. He asserted, “Let the federation treat the referees with dignity and then demand for good performance. The referees appointment committee needs to be an independent body that cannot be compromised.” These words highlight the need for an unbiased selection process to ensure appointments are based on merit rather than external influences.Silenced referees fear retributionGikonyo speaks directly to the challenges faced by Kenyan referees, stating, “Kenyan referees have been silenced by the federation; they cannot speak up because they fear victimization and eventually being sidelined.” This paints a grim picture of a culture of silence among referees, hindering their ability to address concerns and advocate for their rights without fear of retribution.
