Referees' welfare up for discussion by FUFA today

BY LEO KABUNGA FUFA's referees subcommittee headed by technical vice president Wilson Tumwine meets today to revise the referees' officiating allowances at NFLC offices in Nakulabye. Federation Uganda Football Referees Associations (FUFRA) active referees and assistants are pushing for an increment of sh 20,000 from sh 10,000. The referees have argued that a pay increase will motivate them and improve their performance on the field of play where they have been ridiculed and accused of bribery from fans and club officials. Nile Breweries Limited the Nile Special Super League sponsors, released sh 7m to meet the referees allowances. At least 210 matches will be played this season compared to 256 last year. On top of sh 7m from the sponsors, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) general assembly allowed FUFRA a levy of sh 100 on a very ticket sold to bridge the difference. "We are sure we shall be paid our dues after every match because they are a few matches compared to the previous years," said a senior referee said. Referees had threatened to boycott all league matches unless they were paid their 1999 and 2000 arrears. However FUFA stepped in to diffuse the crisis. Ends