NFA Warns Referees Over Unauthorised Off-Season Tournaments
The Namibia Football Association (NFA) has warned referees affiliated with its Referees Department against officiating at independent football tournaments without obtaining the required prior authorisation.
The warning comes as several independent off-season tournaments are being organised across Namibia ahead of the commencement of the 2026/2027 football season.
In a notice dated 17 July 2026, the NFA said tournament organisers intending to use NFA-affiliated referees must comply with established approval procedures.
Organisers are required to first obtain permission to host their tournaments from the relevant NFA Regional League Committee.
At the same time, referees affiliated with the NFA Referees Department may only officiate at such tournaments after receiving prior approval from the Regional Referees Committee in the region where the tournament is taking place.
The NFA made it clear that referees who officiate without the required permission may face disciplinary action.
The association said the requirements are aimed at protecting referees and maintaining the integrity, safety and proper administration of football activities across Namibia’s 14 football regions.
The NFA, which is affiliated with the Namibia Sports Commission and mandated by FIFA to administer football in Namibia, has urged tournament organisers to cooperate with the relevant regional structures to ensure that competitions are properly authorised and professionally managed.
The directive comes during the off-season, a period when numerous independent tournaments are traditionally organised across the country as clubs and players prepare for the new football campaign.
The NFA National Referees Committee is chaired by Erastus Shilunga, with Candy Kulatau as Vice Chair and Absalom Goseb as an additional member.
The Referees Office is headed by Hansie Hendricks, Head of Referees, assisted by Lethicia Manga, Referees Administrator.
