Referees swear before the Emerald Buddha
Thai football referees have followed in the footsteps of politicians by swearing in front of the sacred Emerald Buddha that they will perform their duties with honesty and transparency - a move that is unique in the footballing world.
Football Association of Thailand chief General Chinsen Thongkomol presided over the oath-taking ceremony that involved 130 referees.
Chinsen ordered the Buddhist referees to take the vow at the monastery following a series of scandals and complaints by clubs about refereeing in local leagues.
There were allegations that some referees were linked to bribery, as well as controversial decisions, which led to referees being physically assaulted and frequent brawls among fans at games.
“We have already done what the FAT and clubs wished us to do,” said Chinsen, who is also chairman of the refereeing committee.
“From now on we hope that every football club will have more trust in referees and accept their decisions.”
However, the head of FAT asked for understanding when mistakes were made, saying referees could be in a position that leads to a different point of view. He insisted proper measures would be used to punish referees found guilty of malfeasance.
One of the oath-taking referees was Thanom Porikut, who was suspended for two months for poor decisions in several games. Thanom believed that by taking the oath people would again have confidence in his performances.
“Too much of an issue has been made of Thai referees. We have already proved that we have come clean by performing this vow in front of the sacred diety,” said Thanom, who will be back in action in a friendly between Almeria and Phuket FC next week.
Thanom said the FAT should sign contracts with referees and pay them monthly salaries so they can quit their jobs, devote more time to refereeing and lift their standard.
Singhtarua FC manager Dusit Chalermsaen was surprised to learn about the ceremonial oath but hoped to see some improvement in the standard of refereeing.
“Is it necessary for the FAT juridical body to have gone this far?” he said. “They wouldn’t have bothered to go to swear like this if their refereeing system carried on fairly. On the other hand, if they dare to do this, we should see Thai soccer moving towards the right direction, more or less.”
The oath:
“I, (first name and surname), take the oath that we have always performed the duty as a referee with honesty and integrity, and I give my pledge that I will always perform the duty as a referee with honesty and integrity to preserve the honour and prestige of football referees and of the Football Association of Thailand.”
