Referees Maintain “No Money, No Games” Stance Despite NFA Response
By TUW
Namibian referees have reaffirmed their firm position on outstanding payments, insisting they will not officiate any matches unless full payments are made and verified.
In a follow-up communication dated 10 April 2026, the referees made it clear that their participation in scheduled fixtures will only be confirmed once proof of payment for all outstanding match fees is provided. The group emphasized that partial payments will not be sufficient to guarantee their availability.
The referees further demanded that all transport and meal allowances be settled in full before any match assignments are accepted. They stressed that these costs are essential for their ability to travel and carry out their duties effectively.
In addition, the officials called for clear and transparent communication regarding the outstanding payments for the January to March 2026 period. They requested specific timelines on when the payments will be processed and how they will be handled, noting that this information is crucial for planning and avoiding last-minute disruptions.
Despite the Namibia Football Association’s recent assurance that payments will be made progressively due to cash flow challenges, the referees have maintained their collective resolution of “No Money, No Games” until all conditions are met.
The standoff continues at a critical point in the season, with only a few matches left before the Namibian Premier Football League concludes. Around 60 referees are involved in officiating top-tier matches, raising concerns over possible disruptions if the deadlock is not resolved soon.
The situation now places increasing pressure on football authorities to find an urgent solution to ensure the smooth completion of the league.
