Genitalia Inspection now part of Referees’ job description

As easy as it is to criticize referees it also is easy to recognize that they have a difficulty job. They have the pressure of having to make snap decisions that could impact the outcome of games. Snap decisions like whether or not a player that looks like a dude should be allowed to play in a women’s soccer match.

Such was the dilemma facing the officials before an Olympic qualifier between South Africa and Ghana. They were forced to make a locker room inspection to determine whether Ghana’s claim that a South African striker was actually a man were true.

Said South Africa’s coach Augustine Makalakalane:

“Fact of the matter is that they raised a suspicion against our striker, Alice Noko Matlou from Limpopo and the officiating referee made an inspection in our dressing room in the present of the Ghana captain. After everyone concerned was satisfied that our player was a girl, she was allowed to feature in the game. The referee would not have allowed her to be part of the game if Alice or anyone else was indeed male.

“If it is indeed correct that the Ghanaian official has said this, then I’m personally disappointed with his conduct. But if it’s an attempt to play mind games against us ahead of the return game in Ghana in December, then let me inform them that we are not only bringing Alice, but the whole Banyana Banyana. They can also expect another player with male features in our team for that contest, and that will still not be cheating,” he said.

Oh snap. Take that, Ghana. Pity the poor referee who draws that assignment though.

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Category: Africa, World Football