Recent discussions have highlighted the challenges and responsibilities faced by referees in Portuguese football. During a press conference evaluating the performance of officials in the first ten rounds of the Primeira Liga, the head of refereeing at the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), Luciano Gonçalves, emphasized the support provided to referees amidst external pressures.
Assessment of Refereeing in Primeira Liga
Gonçalves expressed that referees are well-trained to handle pressure. He defended the decisions made by officials Fábio Veríssimo and Gustavo Correia during key matches, specifically FC Porto versus Sporting de Braga and Benfica against Casa Pia. He criticized attempts to create undue pressure on referees, stating that such actions undermine the integrity of the game.
Rejection of Penalties for Referees
- Gonçalves affirmed that there will be no punitive measures like removing referees from assignments.
- He highlighted that accountability should not lead to public embarrassment or unnecessary exposure for referees.
Duarte Gomes, the FPF’s technical director for refereeing, echoed Gonçalves’ sentiments. He affirmed pride in the way referees communicate their experiences and document incidents in their reports.
Support and Protection for Referees
During the briefing, it was noted that referees face considerable scrutiny, and their errors can have personal consequences. Gonçalves acknowledged that the Council of Refereeing would continue to work toward improving the skills of referees. Furthermore, he indicated that the organization aims to recruit more qualified referees for critical matches.
Open Communication
Gonçalves committed to maintaining transparency and being receptive to dialogue. He mentioned that the Council would respond to any requests for meetings from various stakeholders within 24 hours, reinforcing the belief that they are a crucial part of the football solution, not the problem.
Conclusion
The press conference served to assert the position of the FPF’s Council of Refereeing. By refusing to impose penalties and promoting dialogue, they aim to enhance the environment for referees and maintain the integrity of the game in Portugal.
