• Michael Uugwanga
Match officials in the FNB Women’s Super League, the country’s premier top-flight women’s football competition, say they have only received half of their match fees instead of the full amounts owed.
The referees told Confidente they have been on strike for about a week, alongside officials from lower divisions, over outstanding payments owed by the Namibia Football Association (NFA) for the past three months.
So far, only match officials in the top tier, including the FNB Women’s Super League, have received partial payments of what is owed to them, while referees in the second and third divisions are still waiting for any payment.
Several match officials, who requested anonymity for fear of victimisation, confirmed the situation.
“We did receive half of the money for the past three months,” one referee said.
Another official said she hopes the issue will not be repeated.
“We just want this whole issue to be sorted out. Hopefully going forward everything will be fine,” she said.
FNB Namibia, the main sponsor of the FNB Women’s Super League, has expressed concern over reports that referees have not received their monthly allowances for three months.
Speaking to Confidente, FNB Namibia strategic marketing and communications manager Petelina Frans said the bank has taken note of the matter.
“FNB has noted the reports regarding referee payments in the FNB Women’s Super League.
FNB provides support to the NFA for the development and running of the league.
“FNB has been informed by the NFA that referee payments are processed through established administrative structures and form part of their internal payment cycle for the relevant period,” Frans said.
She added that the bank is engaging relevant stakeholders to better understand the situation.
“We are engaging with the relevant stakeholders to better understand the matter and to support constructive dialogue within the structures of the competition. Our focus remains on the continued smooth running of the league,” she said.
NFA acting secretary general Mabos Vries confirmed the association is aware of the situation, saying it currently does not have sufficient funds but is working to address the matter.
