[FOOTBALL]

Posted May 06, 5:40 P.M.

Referees and Assistants could get big financial returns

Local referees and assistant referees could build a career from the sport in the near future.

The advice came from General Secretary of the Grenada Football Association (GFA), Victor Daniel. Daniel has outlined a number of opportunities now available for FIFA accredited referees and assistants.

“Once you (referees and assistants) are active for two years and could pass the Cooper Test, then you are available for appointments. The rest is up to you,” Daniel told a group of new referees and assistants at the end of a three-day refereeing course.

He warned the new recruits of losing focus and being discouraged.

“The GFA would retain, train and reward you,” Victor said.

Fifteen persons including one female participated in the course which was facilitated by retired English Premier League Referee, Jim McLean, and local referees Valmon Bedeau and Finbar Charles.

Referees and assistants who are appointed to FIFA and Olympic Qualifying games are rewarded generously.

“You would be paid for transportation to the airport, business-class air transportation and in some instances, a maximum of US$350 per day. In some instances the tournament last for eight days,” he said.

Grenada has two FIFA accredited referees and two assistants. Valmon Bedeau and George Phillip are the referees and Finbar Charles and Wayne Phillip are the assistant referees.