Dasmunsi urges referees to 'apply their minds'

Panaji, Sep 22 (UNI) All India Football Federation President Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi today said football referees need not be talented but must have the ability to apply their minds.

''The referee is bound to make mistakes as he has to run in all directions and, hence, assistant referees have to play a vital role,'' he said.

Mr Dasmunsi was speaking at the inaugural function of a three-day FIFA course for match commissioners, instructors and referees, organised by the AIFF, which was inaugurated in the presence of Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, here.

The workshop has been hosted ahead of the professional league which is slated to kick off from November 23. Forty-two referees, 15 instructors and 12 match commissioners are participating in the workshop.

Mr Dasmunsi stressed that the FIFA course will help the referees to learn to apply their minds. There should be no controversial decisions in the game, he said, while pointing out that to safeguard the life of players, many rules have been introduced in football.

Mr Dasmunsi urged Mr Kamat to allot land to the five national-level football teams in the state to build their own infrastructure. He also urged the Chief Minister to ensure floodlight facilities at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda and Duler in Mapusa.

Earlier, speaking on the occasion, Mr Kamat expressed happiness that football is regaining its past glory in the country and cited the example of the Indian team winning the Nehru Cup. Mr Kamat lauded Mahesh Gawli who had played a vital role in the victory.

AIFF secretary Alberto Colaco, who was present on the occasion, thanked the state government for alloting land to the federation in South Goa. He assured that the AIFF will help nurture local talent.

FIFA instructors Mushiseen Arif (Sri Lanka), John Baker (England), Naziri (Malaysia) and Rene Eberie (Switzerland) will be the resource persons for the three-day FIFA course.

UNI