Alhaji Abdul Karim Gruzah, founder of Kumasi King Faisal FC, has fingered referee agents for the drop in the interest of the local game. Football on the local scene has become less attractive with matches being played in near empty stadia and the veteran administrator has accused the increasing presence of referee agents as one of the causative factors to the low patronage. Alhaji Gruzah, who is also the bankroller of the Kumasi-based Premier League Club, alleged at the Extraordinary Congress of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) held on Wednesday that certain club officials parade as agents of referees. He claimed such officials negotiate terms of matches on behalf of referees with club officials to suit their interest and favour. “They are amongst us here and they know themselves. How many fans were at the Ohene Djan Stadium during the Hearts of Oak and Heart of Lions GHALCA Top Four clash last Sunday?” Gruzah exclaimed in front of the packed-to-capacity crowd at the GFA conference room. The outspoken administrator pointed out that the agents in collaboration with the referees often determine the outcome of matches and not the performance of a team. “The referees determine the outcome of matches. They make and unmake champions.” Alhaji Gruzah also alleged that the financial bankruptcy of most clubs was largely due to their choice of seeking points outside the pitch. “Some referees take cattle, sheep and goats among others. Most of the clubs are swimming in debts because of these things.” He therefore appealed to the GFA to introduce the practice of demoting referees who under-perform during matches. “At the recent FIFA World Cup, referees were sent home for poor officiating. I suggest the GFA introduces demotion of non-performing and compromised referees and it will help curb the menace.” The King Faisal founder also called for a restructuring of the composition of the Referees Appointments Committee, so that competent referees are selected to handle matches. He also appealed to fellow club officials to desist from the norm of contacting referees before matches to rid the game of corruption and allegations. Alhaji Gruzah, revered for his exceptional youth development, is credited with the rise to fame of former national stars including Samuel Osei Kuffour, Bashiru Gambo, Ibrahim Tanko and Adu Tutu Skelley. Source: GNA/Ghana