When you think of the millions of euros or other currencies which football generates, it seems strange that one of the key actors, the referee, gets such a small slice of it. With all the recent controversy on the role of the referee and the different ways to help lower the margin of error, I haven’t read much about the referee’s compensation. Professional football has seen player salaries go through the roof, sponsorships skyrocket and club budgets (and deficits) inflate like never before. But what about referees? With so much money at stake, I would attract better and more people to become referees by adapting their financial benefits to be in line with the other constituencies.
Let’s take the example of the monthly revenues of first division games in a major European championship:
- 30 000 spectators at an average ticket price of €60 x 8 games per month = €14,4 million
- 22 players at an average monthly salary of €40 000 = €880 000
- 1 referee at a monthly “retainer” of about €3750
When you think about the sums generated by 30 000 spectators and paid to 22 players (not to mention the broadcasting rights which I haven’t estimated), it is unbelievable that the referee which is such a central piece of the game gets such a small part of the cake. I think that part of the refereeing problem would be solved if football associations and clubs thought about attracting higher quality candidates with much more attractive packages for full-time referee positions.
Maracanazos try to find solutions.
Agreed that referees compensation is generally speaking too low and that higher remuneration woulkd attract younger and probably better prepared referees, in also better physical shape ,which is necessary because the game has become much faster
But the real problem is with the game itself, which has deteriorated significantly
It has become “catch as you can”, mainly in the 16 meter penalty area where everything happens!
This is to a great extent avoidable, if the non efficient FIFA would finally implement Platini’s recommendation for having 5 referres ,2 of them behind the goals with continuous contact with the main referee
Also delayed ( not immediate TV review ) use of TV would help, sanctioning, after review, serious faults non sanctioned, such as penalties, acts of violence, etc…
If these measures continue being delayed, football will suffer and will end being an unattractive spectacle
O’Neill
I am agree with you for the conditions of referees but the whole money collected from the viewers are not given to only 22 player but it is distributed among many groups for example club who is organizing the match club of that stadium where match played…and there is many other investment maintenance security etc …saying whole moneys just comes in the pocket of 22 players is wrong
Yes I agree with you that there many other recipients for where the money goes but I think that relatively speaking the percentage that goes to the referees is too low.