AIFF took this step for referee and assistant referee for the first time, decision taken under Vision 2047

New Delhi. For the first time in Indian football, full-time contracts have been given to elite match officials (referees and assistant referees). Under the ‘Vision 2047’ blueprint, the Elite Referee Development Plan (ERDP) aims to make the Indian football ecosystem a viable career option for referees, a joint investment by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and its business partners.

 

The first group consists of eight referees and the same number of assistant referees. The next batch of professional match officials will be announced in 2024. AIFF President Kalyan Choubey said that football cannot be conducted without referees and hence this is the main focus area for us.

 

By giving referees a full-time job, we will ensure that they get the right kind of training, support and financial security.” He said such a move would encourage the profession, hoping it would make refereeing attractive and more people would want to join. Will inspire, especially at the grassroots level.