Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part B (2024)

The study examined the perceived factors influencing soccer referee decision-making and the perceived effects of soccer referees’ decisions on the outcome of football matches. This study employed the exploratory research design. The purposive sampling method was used to select referees, coaches, and players in Division One football in Ghana. The study employed an unstructured interview as a medium of data collection. The data collected from the field were manually transcribed and analyzed qualitatively. Themes were generated from the responses of the respondents. It was found that referees’ decisions were not always accurate, they sometimes commit some errors. It was evident that several factors are perceived to influence referees’ decision-making in football matches. Generally, some perceived factors include ideal decision-making, individual factors, experience factors, and situational factors. It was also found that referees’ decisions are either positive or negative. It was concluded that referees can make and unmake games, specifically, football matches. It was recommended that referees eschew any practice or act that will influence their decision during football match officiating. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) was also recommended to continually intensify the training workshops they organize for referees to keep them abreast of current practices and ethics associated with the profession.