Referees threaten boycott as NFA admits payment delays

By: Terence Mukasa

A looming standoff has emerged between the Namibia Football Association (NFA) and top-tier referees, after officials threatened to boycott matches over unpaid fees, prompting Acting General Secretary, Mabos Vries, to acknowledge delays and appeal for patience ahead of a crucial weekend of league action.

In a letter dated 7 April 2026, top-tier league referees formally notified the National Referees Committee of their frustrations, demanding immediate payment of outstanding match fees for January to March 2026. The officials warned that failure to meet a payment deadline of 10 April would result in a refusal to officiate matches.

The referees highlighted that delayed payments have placed them under significant financial strain, affecting their ability to meet basic needs such as rent, food, and school expenses. They further raised concerns about late travel and meal allowances, which they say have impacted their capacity to effectively carry out match-day duties.

“We are not going to travel for any match if these fees are not paid,” the letter stated, underlining the seriousness of the potential boycott.

The dispute comes at a critical moment in the domestic football calendar, with an action-packed weekend looming. A potential title-defining clash is set between Eeshoke Chula Chula and African Stars, while KK Palace are scheduled to face Khomas Nampol at the Oshakati Independence Stadium.

In response, the NFA, through Vries, admitted that the delays were caused by cash flow challenges but insisted they were not intentional. The association emphasised that referees continue to receive weekly support ranging between N$80 000 and N$100 000 for meals, travel, and accommodation.

Vries assured that the NFA is committed to settling the outstanding match fees as funds become available, adding that partial payments will be made in the interim, with the remainder to follow.

The association also urged referees to continue officiating, warning that any withdrawal of services could damage the reputation of Namibian football.

The situation now places pressure on the NFA to resolve the financial impasse swiftly, with the threat of disrupted fixtures hanging over the domestic league if an agreement is not reached.