Crisis of officials is marring the desired promotion of world’s most popular football game in state and the country as well. Only in Madhya Pradesh, there are around 156 officials or referees but only five of them including a woman referee are qualified for officiating in national matches. Absence of qualified officials for national events emerged a matter of serious concern for the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Madhya Pradesh Football Association (MPFA). “Football is gaining popularity in Madhya Pradesh and the country as well with around 7,000 registered men and women players only in the State. On the other hand, the State has around 156 registered active and inactive referees but most of them are ineligible to officiate in national level matches as per the rulings of the AIFF,” said Amit Ranjan Deb, Secretary of MPFA.

 

A R Deb, while talking to ‘The Hitavada’, said that young players are not turning-up for officiating in the game which is a matter of serious concern but the federation is taking stringent measures for preparation of new and quality referees. The federation has already hired some qualified referees on handsome packages while MPFA has also made it mandatory for all the registered clubs for providing two players from every club for their training as football referees. Deb informed that they have around 650 registered football clubs in Madhya Pradesh and federation has made it mandatory for every club to provide two players for their training.

 

He added that MPFA will provide free training to the interested players on weekends (i.e. Saturday and Sunday) and

provide them free kits for the same. They are also educating the players to explore career as football official. Similarly, association is also inviting retired referees for hiring their services in training of new referees. AIFF is also providing specialised training to the referees in total 8 categories for preparation of national as well as FIFA officials. Minimum qualification of referee training is Class 8th to 12th for fundamental training.