The recent error in the match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, for the seventh round of the Premier League, in London, has highlighted an issue that has been under discussion in English football: the double life of the referees who, In search of a bonus, they hold meetings in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. This has opened a debate about possible conflicts of interest and the need to regulate this practice, which for the moment has left a serious error that harmed Jürgen Klopp’s team after a legal goal by Colombian Luis Díaz was disallowed.
In the case of the aforementioned match, referees Darren England and Dan Cook, who were scheduled to oversee the VAR in that match, returned from the United Arab Emirates just two days before the match. They refereed a match between Sharjah and Al-Ain in the Middle East before moving to London.
It may interest you
Messi, like Beckham and Henry: Inter Miami would loan him to Barcelona in 2024
Although the error cannot be entirely attributed to fatigue, the situation has raised legitimate questions about whether these types of external commitments should be more strictly regulated. The issue is especially relevant given that Premier League referees are not the best paid in Europe.
While a Spanish referee like Mateu Lahoz earned more than 300,000 euros in 2022, a Premier League referee receives between 38,500 and 42,000 pounds per year, plus an additional payment of 1,150 pounds per game. The maximum annual income does not exceed 70,000 pounds, approximately 80,771 euros.
The temptation for referees like England, Cook and others to work in foreign leagues, such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, is understandable given the difference in income. However, this practice raises ethical and integrity concerns, especially when host countries have links with Premier League clubs.
Premier League and UAE, conflict of interest
For example, Sheikh Mansour, the prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, owns Manchester City, while Khaldoon Al-Mubarak, City’s president, is on the board of shareholders of the UAE’s main oil company, which sponsors the league. from the country.
In Saudi Arabia, Howard Webb, leader of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), worked for the Saudi federation, allowing English referees to officiate in matches in that country. In addition, the Saudi Arabian investment fund, PIF, owns Newcastle United.
Receives our newsletter: We will send you the best sports content, as Depor always does.