Drunk and smoking refs messing football in Machakos

Drunk and smoking referees are being accused of running roughshod on football games in the Machakos region with officials calling on the federation to rein in on the vice.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has been urged to move with speed to seek a solution on the shocking debauchery among match officials in its Southern Branch where some are alleged to be lighting up during games, show little regard of rules and regulations of football and in some cases, some turn up inebriated and worse for wear.

Peter Wambua, the Secretary General of the Football Kenya Federation Referees Southern Branch made the sensational claims charging that many of the officials lack etiquette.

“Many of them officiate matches while they are drunk and in long trousers.  They are never reasonable and this is affecting the quality and level of our competition, and you find that it will be difficult for our team teams to be competent,” Wambua alleged.

Wambua claims he wrote to the FKF Southern Branch last week where he is hoping the federation can organise clinics to lecture the officials concerned on upholding integrity and steering clear of vice.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, FKF Communications Manager, Barry Otieno, said they would look into the serious allegations and take appropriate action if proven.

“The branch involved has not received any complaint from clubs who are stakeholders in the game or anyone else on the matter. As far as we are aware, no team would accept to play a game with intoxicated officials.

“However, football attracts people of diverse cultures and we will investigate these allegations and establish the truth,” Otieno added.

“Since last year, there has been no clinic for referees and coaches on the basics of football in the area. There is need for the football rules to be instilled on them for the benefit of the youth,” Wambua underscored.

The referees’ official was speaking after a friendly where Mutituni Sportiff blanked Uiini FC 3-0 at Lolongwe Grounds, Machakos County.

In response, FKF Machakos branch is planning clinics for referees and coaches as they seek to restore sanity to the game.

Branch Secretary General Paul Muli added the initiative is aimed from saving the region from further embarrassment with refresher courses set to kick off in April.