Pranjal Banerjee, one of Indian football’s best referees to leave country

Bengaluru, August 15: Pranjal Banerjee is not Fifa-badge referee in Indian football. He is being called country's one of the best referees for last couple of years. He is one of those five elite panel referees who is a salaried person and receives fees for officiating matches in the I-League.

Along with officiating I-League matches the 31-year old referee from West Bengal has also experience of officiating matches in the Asia's top tier championship AFC Champions' league as well as he was on the line as linesman in the Russia World Cup qualifiers.

The 6 feet tall and lanky referee who received the best referee's award last year for his outstanding performance in the I-league is a different man in his world. He puts head phones during officiating matches.

He has imported Fifa's software through which he always keeps him updated on the continuous development, going on in the world of referring.

But the present reality seems different. Pranjal Bannerjee has started of thinking to say good bye to referring in India! The reason is frustration.

Pranjal, speaking on Monday said, "Being a salaried referee of All India Football Federation (AIFF) and from the match-fees in the I-league matches and in the Federation Cup, I earn maximum Rs 24 thousand."

"But how many days more I can maintain this consistency? Maximum five years. I am now 31 years. What will happen then? That is why around a couple of years ago I made request to the state sports minister if I could join any job under state government. But I have not received any response regarding the appeal."

Pranjal added, "I have a friend in Auckland. He had recently assured me of a job if I settle in Auckland. But if I want to do referring there in New Zealand football then I will have start from zero."

"More importantly, due to illness I could not do referring for around last three months in India and in abroad. So I have heard I might be omitted from Federation's elite panel in the beginning of coming season. So how can I manage then?"

Pranjal is seriously thinking of leaving Indian football.