Caf scraps Referee of the Year award

Caf has with immediate effect scrapped the Caf Referee of the Year award, with the confederation’s president Ahmad Ahmad claiming that it risked violating ethical rules and promoting corruption.

Caf also scrapped the African Player of the Year based in Africa.

“We felt that a double standard could not be promoted by awarding distinctions for second choice. When you aim for excellence, you must rise to the highest standards. The goal is to work for the best players to stay on the continent. One can evolve in Africa and be the best player in Africa. We must create the conditions to keep the best on the continent,” Ahmad told a media conference in Accra, Ghana, on Wednesday ahead of yesterday’s Aiteo Caf Awards Gala.

“I will take the example of Trésor Mputu, who certainly had the talent to go to Europe and be among the best Africans. But the president of TP Mazembe, Moise Katumbi, provided the means to keep him at the club. We are convinced that we can multiply similar situations on the continent and one day have the best African player who plays in Africa,” he said.

On scrapping of the referees’ award, the continental football supremo said referees already have their rewards and marks of recognition.

“They are evaluated at each match by the referees’ committee and the best are designated for big games, such as the Caf Champions League final. In addition, there is a risk of violation of ethical rules because this distinction can be a factor of corruption in the near future,” he said.

A local referee, who requested anonymity, however, felt the decision to scrap the most outstanding match official could have been rushed and the Caf leadership ought to have consulted widely, encompassing all parties that also include the sponsors, who might actually want to have the award.

“Decisions need to be thoroughly analysed for positives and negatives before implementation so as to achieve the desired effect,” said the referee. — @ skhumoyo2000