Uncertainty continues to surround the start of the Moçambola 2026, with doubts emerging over the availability of match officials just hours before kickoff scheduled for 2 May.
Referees are maintaining their refusal to officiate the opening round, demanding the settlement of outstanding payments owed by the Mozambican Football League (LMF). The dispute dates back more than six months after the abrupt end of the previous season, with officials still awaiting payment for services rendered.
At the centre of the dispute is an estimated debt of around six million meticais, related to elite referees’ fees during the second half of the 2025 season. The referees have warned they will not take to the field for the 2026 season unless the arrears are fully paid.
The issue was discussed during a meeting involving the Minister of Youth and Sports, Caifadine Manasse, the Mozambican Football Federation, the LMF represented by its president Alberto Simango Júnior and representatives of the 14 participating clubs.
While the LMF stated that an agreement had been reached to regularise the debt and ensure referees’ participation, sources linked to refereeing have denied any such deal, insisting that no agreement exists.
The referees are also demanding guarantees of payment per matchday as a condition for continuing to officiate, deepening the uncertainty over whether the league will proceed smoothly at its launch.
0 Comentários