Eight top referees flop at FIFA test

Sep 15, 2009

IF the FIFA-inspected Cooper Test for referees proved anything yesterday, it was that there is a general lack of fitness among Uganda’s top whistlers.

By vision reporter

IF the FIFA-inspected Cooper Test for referees proved anything yesterday, it was that there is a general lack of fitness among Uganda’s top whistlers.

Eight out of 25 top referees were far below the mark –– either not finishing their races, collapsing or being forced to repeat their runs.

The lenient officials from the world soccer governing body gave three referees Fred Mufta, Kalifan Kanakulya and Margaret Kubingi another chance to take fresh tests in Nairobi on Thursday –– at their own expense. The Cooper Test to gauge the fitness of FIFA referees involves a 40m dash and 10 one-lap run-walk race –– where one runs 150m and walks 50m.

FIFA Referees’ Development Officer for East and Southern Africa Carlos Enriques was not amused.
“I’m surprised some referees are unfit at this time of the year. Some countries protect their referees even if they are unfit and fail tests,” Enriques said after the exercise.

“Just imagine unfit referees officiating a match involving your country and they mess it up. FIFA is tired of complaints.”

On the failure list are FIFA referees Mufta, Kubingi and assistants Kanakulya and Asha Ssonko. Others are FUFA referees Ronnie Kalema, Mashood Ssali, Brian Nsubuga and one assistant Harriet Nattabi. Aisha Ssemmambo and Nelson Mubanda only passed after a repeat run.

Leading referees Mohammed Ssegonga, Ali Kalyango, Dennis Batte and assistants Samuel Kayondo, Yahya Kiti, Hussein Bugembe, Rehmah Kizito, Diana Mukasa and Irene Namubiru passed.

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