Dili, 11 April 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Timor-Leste Football Referees Association (AAF-TL) held a press conference regarding a misunderstanding with the Organizing Committee of the Avo Nana Cup 2025, which recently became a topic of public controversy. The press conference was held at the Xanana Sport Center hall on Thursday.
The President of the Timor-Leste Football Referees Association (AAF-TL), Nivio da Costa, stated during the press conference that the association is a member of the Timor-Leste Football Federation (FFTL), in accordance with its own statute and internal regulations.
“The Timor-Leste Football Referees Association (AAF-TL) is an organization that oversees all referee teams across the territory of Timor-Leste,” said AAF-TL President Nivio da Costa.
He further explained that the involvement of referee teams in official competitions throughout the country from suco (village) level, administrative posts, municipalities, to national levels including national leagues is within the competence of the AAF-TL.
“The Timor-Leste Football Referees Association (AAF-TL) terminated the cooperation agreement with the Organizing Committee for the 2025 National Rotational Avo Nana Cup,” he said.
He explained that the Avo Nana Cup 2025 Organizing Committee never recognized the Timor-Leste Football Referees Association (AAF-TL) as the sole organization with the competence to organize, train, and certify referees to lead official competitions held in Timor-Leste. This situation has been ongoing since 2024.
“Due to the aforementioned attitude, the President of the Organizing Committee took the initiative to individually approach referees in order to ensure the opening of the Avo Nana Cup in 2024 and 2025, even though the Organizing Committee should have established a joint service agreement with AAF-TL to define the rights and duties of both parties,” he explained.
He further stated that AAF-TL was not informed about the technical meetings, which are considered crucial moments for AAF-TL to present updates on game rules. Unfortunately, such coordination did not occur.
“A cooperation agreement can only be signed after the opening of the Avo Nana Cup in Gleno, Ermera, which indicates that the Organizing Committee did not prioritize the involvement of referee teams in the 2025 Avo Nana Cup,” he said.
He reported that even though the agreement was signed, the referee team carried out its duties responsibly and continued to request support from the Organizing Committee to ensure the success of the competition with the help of the National Police (PNTL). Unfortunately, this proposal did not receive sufficient attention from the Organizing Committee.
“AAF-TL considers that the President of the Organizing Committee has a conflict of interest in the competition, due to emotional ties with FC LALEIA Club, which has a direct link to the Committee President,” he stated.
He added that AAF-TL believes there is no separation of powers in the role of the President of the Avo Nana Cup Organizing Committee, as he can also act as a club leader for FC LALEIA and even serve as an assistant referee, as occurred on 6 April 2025.
He further explained that the Timor-Leste Football Referees Association has maintained good collaboration with FFTL and received maximum support from the President of the Timor-Leste Football Federation in all activities and responsibilities carried out. “We are committed to continuing to work in accordance with the regulations and rules established by FFTL, to help develop football in Timor-Leste that is of high quality, fair, and transparent.”
Report : Nelfiano
Photo : Nelfiano