On Friday, October 6, 2023, the SVG Football Federation met with the Referees Association Executive to examine the escalating abuse in the sport of football.
Dwight Roberts, chair of the Tournaments and Competition Committee and 3rd Vice President, led the meeting. He told the Referees Association that the SVGFF condemns all forms of violence and abuse, and that the SVGFF is committed to implementing, creating, and enforcing rules and procedures to avoid these difficulties as a whole.
The meeting’s attendees unanimously voted to cease organized football across the country on Friday, October 7th, and the Referees Association opted to withdraw their services for the whole weekend until their demands were met and promises were delivered.
A meeting with the whole Referees fraternity and the Executive Council is scheduled for Monday, October 9, 2023. This gathering aims to ensure that any decisions made will lead the road forward for the development of the sport, with safety taking precedence.
The SVG Football Federation will not support any individual(s) who commits such activities and will impose the appropriate sanctions as determined by the competent disciplinary bodies. In addition, an educational drive for all stakeholders will be launched, as will the development of programs where necessary, such as required counseling and mentorship sessions.
