| Refs threaten red card over season start |
| Thursday 29 July 2010 |
 THE opening round of Welsh Premier fixtures could be disrupted as match officials see red in a row over their fees. With effect from the start of the new campaign, fees for referees and assistants will be paid centrally by the FA of Wales, whereas they have hitherto been paid in cash on matchday by the host club. The officials asked for an increase in their match fees, which compare unfavourably with their counterparts in the English non-league pyramid. However, the FAW has refused to grant an increase and the officials were told today by the Welsh Premier board that match fees will remain at the same level as last season. Referees will receive £80 with assistants paid £40 each, which is believed to be the lowest in Europe, and the fees will also be paid directly into bank accounts for the first time. The officials are said to be extremely unhappy about the situation and welsh-premier.com understands they are likely to make themselves unavailable for the first round of games, which is scheduled to start on Friday August 13. |