Swiss Super League introduces professional referee salaries

The Swiss Super League is implementing a historic shift in its officiating structure by transitioning top referees into professional roles. Under a new model funded by participating clubs, Switzerland's seven FIFA referees and VAR official Fedayi San will now work an 80 percent workload as professionals.

This professionalization allows referees to receive an annual salary of up to 130,000 Swiss francs. Previously, officiating in Switzerland was conducted as a secondary occupation. The new system is designed to allow officials to focus more intensely on match preparation and their professional duties.

To support this transition, Super League clubs will contribute 50,000 Swiss francs each, while Challenge League clubs will contribute 10,000 Swiss francs. The initiative was announced by Swiss Football Association President Peter Knäbel, SFL CEO Claudius Schäfer, and Head of Elite Referees Dani Wermelinger.