A panel of 38 first class referees and 42 assistant referees has been released by the South African Football Association for the 2016-17 season.

The names of 49 officials who will get a monthly stipend from the Premier Soccer League have also been released, reports Safa.net.

Safa head of referees Peter Sejake confirmed that the list consists of top referees and also upcoming young officials.

‘The list comprises of renowned top performers who have gone through the rigours of the annual fitness test and has a number of some talented up-and-coming young officials,’ Sejake said.

‘We have become torchbearers on the continent as far as producing top match officials is concerned and we hope to maintain that.’

Sejake insists that Safa will continue to monitor the officials and would not hesitate to wield a big axe on those who fall short of their commitments and would recommend officials that perform well for continental and global showpieces.

‘We will reward excellence but would not hesitate to chop those who relax on the way. We want the best out of our team,’ he added.

Image: Safa website