FA faces furious backlash with white Britons forced to pay three times more than BAME for referee course

Callum Vurley

By Callum Vurley


Published: 07/11/2025

- 17:03

A referee course offering a major discount for BAME prospects has drawn major criticism

The FA have taken considerable criticism after offering a refereeing course for people of black, Asian and mixed heritage - with white Britons expected to pay over three times more.

The referee course will go ahead across the weekend of 15/16 November this month from 10am to 3pm at Fulham's training ground at Motspur Park.


The cost of the course comes to £40 but to enroll, one must prove their ethnic background is black, Asian or mixed.

However, if a white Briton wants to take part in a similar course, it can cost as much as three times more at over £120.

It has seen huge backlash from prospective referees across the country, with many criticising the extra costs levelled at some specifically because of the colour of their skin.

On social media site X, one user said: "Why isn't it £40 for everyone?"

The FA have come under fire after offering a BAME referee course that is significantly cheaper than what a white Briton would have to pay

The FA have come under fire after offering a BAME referee course that is significantly cheaper than what a white Briton would have to pay

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PA

Another posted: "If it were the other way someone would be in jail by now."

And a third said: "I’ve just paid £150 for my son to complete this course with our County FA so he can earn a bit of pocket money….incredibly frustrating."

While a fourth frustrated user wrote: "It’s 100 per cent discrimination end of.

"There are plenty of genuine people being priced out of the game both officiating and coaching due to ridiculous fees imposed by those above an go most part they are volunteers.

"A lot of negativity in the press about officiating so make it free."

When reached for comment by GB News, the FA replied: "Through our Refereeing Strategy, The FA alongside the County FA Network is striving to increase and enhance our whole referee support workforce.

"We offer training programmes for everyone, starting from our free Laws of the Game course, to face-to-face refereeing courses delivered through County FAs.

"Given historic under-representation among referees from various communities evidenced through data, focus has been given to increasing representation from those with Black, Asian or Mixed Heritage background.

"The County FA network will deliver other referee courses outside this campaign such as female only and others that are open for the wider public.

Referee Sam Allison became the first black referee to officiate a Premier League match since Uriah Rennie in 2008

Referee Sam Allison became the first black referee to officiate a Premier League match since Uriah Rennie in 2008

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PA

"Subsequently, there are multiple opportunities to be trained as a referee.

"As part of this, we have delivered national campaigns, driving a 50 per cent increase in the number of referees from historically underrepresented backgrounds, and also launched a bursary scheme to part fund places on entry-level refereeing courses for referees from under-represented communities"

A study in 2022 found that 97 per cent of officials were white and the FA put in place programs to increase the number of referees from different backgrounds with a three-year plan in 2023.

That plan is starting to bear fruit and in December 2023, Sam Allison becoming the first black referee to officiate a Premier League match since Uriah Rennie in 2008.

Referees are overwhelmingly white with a study in 2022 finding 97 per cent of officials were white

Referees are overwhelmingly white with a study in 2022 finding 97 per cent of officials were white

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PA

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: "Referees are the lifeblood of our game, so this new strategy is critical to attracting and retaining our match officials.

"We need to create a safe, inclusive and enjoyable environment for referees at all levels and to offer strong support throughout their career."