The Ghana Football Association (GFA) Referees Manager, Alex Kotey, has detailed the association’s strategies for reintegrating suspended referees back into the officiating system once they have completed their penalties.

This initiative aims to ensure that referees meet the required standards before returning to officiate matches.

Kotey explained that referees currently serving suspensions must undergo rigorous training overseen by Regional Fitness Instructors before they can officiate in the upcoming season.

“Referees who are serving suspension will undergo training by our Regional Fitness Instructors before they return to officiate matches,” Kotey stated during an interview with the Ghana FA media team.

Addressing concerns about the integrity and competence of Ghanaian referees, Kotey dismissed any doubts, asserting, “We have Match Officials whose levels of integrity are very high,” emphasizing the professionalism and dedication of the country’s referees.

In addition to reinstating suspended referees, the GFA is focused on enhancing the skills and capabilities of its match officials. Kotey highlighted the association’s ongoing efforts to provide international training opportunities for Ghanaian referees. “We are building the capacities of our referees. We are looking for more opportunities to take our referees on international training courses,” he added.

The GFA’s commitment to training and professional development underscores its dedication to maintaining high standards in officiating, ensuring that referees are well-prepared and capable of handling matches with integrity and competence.

This comprehensive approach to referee training and development is expected to enhance the quality of officiating in Ghanaian football, fostering a more robust and respected refereeing community.

4o