Professional referees can combat corruption, says Blatter
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-06-14 14:24

International football referees need to be made professional if the standard of match officiating is to be improved, according to FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter, seen here addressing the press in Frankfurt, believes international soccer referees need to be made professional if the standard of match officiating is to be improved. [AFP]

German referee Robert Hoyzer crushed the credibility of officials in January when he admitted fixing four matches for financial gain and Blatter believes only professional referees can prevent such acts of corruption.

"There is plenty of money in football and we have been talking about professional referees for ten years now," stated Blatter.

"Being a referee is not a hobby but a profession and if they become professional then they are less vulnerable to financial persuasion."

Blatter has made no secret of his desire for professional referees but persuading the football associations and referee organisations to reach an agreement has proved too difficult.

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