Referee debacle enters parliament

The issue of non-payment and underpayment of Namibian football referees has been taken to parliament after recent media reports that shone a light on their situation. Landless People’s Movement member of parliament Utaara Mootu has leapt to the defence of the male and female match officials who are reportedly paid peanuts.In her notice of questions directed to the minister of sport Sanet Steenkamp, Mootu expresses concern over the state of the sporting sector and the referees.“Despite repeated commitments to professionalise sports in Namibia, as stated in the Ministry’s budget speech, the sector remains in a precarious state, marked by poor remuneration, irregular payments and lack of structural investment in particularly toward referees and officials who are foundational to upholding the integrity of and fairness of the game,” Mootu stated. Mootu’s questions come after recent reports that suggested some referees and assessors have not been paid for over four months.There have also been reports that those involved in the men’s third division and women’s regional leagues remain unpaid since March 2025. Reports also stated that Debmarine Namibia Premiership referees are owed monies since April, while first- and second-divisions, as well as the Women’s Super League are unpaid for two months. “These individuals are paid as little as N$50 to N$400 per game, despite the physical, emotional and professional demands of their work. “Match officials have repeatedly inquired about their salaries and have been met with the response that there is no money. This amounts to institutional neglect and places livelihoods at risk,” the LPM politician points out.Mootu acknowledges the intention of the ministry to professionalise Namibian sports codes, but remains frustrated that no tangible blueprint has been submitted to parliament. “When will the ministry table a comprehensive blueprint for the professionalisation of sports in Namibia, as committed to in the 2025/26 budget speech?“What research feasibility studies have been conducted to inform this professionalisation agenda?”

Referee debacle enters parliament

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Republikein 2025-08-20

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Referee debacle enters parliament

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