Finesse quits refereeing after 28 years of service

 Finesse shows off his cup

FRANCOIS Finesse, one of the most popular and experienced football referees here,  has decided to call it quit after 28 years of service.

As a reward for the years spent in football, Finesse was presented with a cup by Seychelles Football Federation (SFF) chairman Suketu Patel  Saturday June 19 at Stad Linite.

Former St Louis striker Finesse, who is to turn 49 later this year, told Sports Nation earlier this week that the decision to resign was taken mainly because of his age and physical condition.

"I think that at my age it's best for me to resign. When you grow older you don't have the same energy that you used to have when you were young. So, the time has come for me to stop refereeing. But, I will continue to give my support to the SFF by helping them in anyway I can," he said.

Finesse added that after 28 years of dedication, hard work and sacrifice, he has not received the reward he truly deserves.

"I feel really down and upset. After 28 years as a referee, I believe that the federation should have made an effort in rewarding me with a special prize or something similar. Receiving a cup for 28 long years of service annoys me. I think I deserve more than that," said Finesse, who became a Fédération internationale de football association (Fifa) referee in 1989 at the age of 34.

Finesse, who in his long and colourful career got to officiate in a number of international competitions including the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Cup and African Champions' league amongst others, said that the number of people showing interest in refereeing worries him.

"We don't have enough referees at the moment. The ones who are there are quite old and the young people are not showing interest in joining refereeing except for a few. The federation should address the issue immediately if it is to remedy the situation for a better tomorrow," he said.

A painter by profession, Finesse also had words of encouragement for his colleagues who are still out there and doing a marvellous job in keeping the game going.

C. J.