PGMOL ‘have signed up 12 recently-retired footballers to a fast-track scheme to become referees’ in a move that is hoped will ‘help increase confidence in officials’

Twelve recently-retired professional footballers have reportedly signed-up to fast-track scheme to become referees.

Officiating at all levels of the game – but especially in the Premier League – has come under intense scrutiny following a succession of contentious decisions. 

PGMOL boss Howard Webb, who was appointed as the body’s first chief refereeing officer in August 2022, has sought to allay concerns by becoming a more visible presence, increasing communication with clubs and the public – in the form of his Match Officials: Mic’d Up show. 

But a common criticism of officials that persists is their assumed lack of empathy which, according to many critics, causes them to make decisions by the letter of the law rather than with a feeling for match situation. 

According to The Sun, this could all be about to change with an exciting new cohort of recruits that will be accelerated through a refereeing programme. 

Lewis Dunk (centre right) was sent off for dissent in Brighton’s 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest

Officiating has come under intense scrutiny this term following several contentious decisions

The report states that Webb hopes the recently-retired professional footballers will help increase confidence in officials. 

And that the scheme, which has only materalised after ‘around 12 players expressed interest in the idea’ is currently being worked on by 2010 World Cup final referee and PGMOL. 

For context, Webb spent 12 years making his way up the ranks, starting while still serving with the South Yorkshire Police, before eventually becoming a Premier League referee in 2003.

It is not known how long the fast-track scheme would take to complete.  

The creative plan comes amid Mail Sport’s campaign titled ‘Stop Abusing Referees’, which seeks to shine a light on the aggressive behaviour officials face.

Controversial VAR calls have been at the heart of the discussion throughout the season and referees have been subjected to unstinting abuse.

A staggering 10,000 referees have left football in the last five years and a surge of shameful antics by top-flight managers – be it Mikel Arteta, Mauricio Pochettino, Jurgen Klopp, or Marco Silva – has magnified how rotten examples are set at the top.