FFF replaces refs for weekend matches after row

The French Football Federation will replace all referees for first-division matches this weekend after the refereeing union vowed to start each match 15 minutes late in protest at recent criticism.

Several referees have been heavily criticized by players, managers and television pundits in recent weeks, causing the refereeing union, known as SAFE, to take its stance.

But the FFF said in a statement Friday that ''such threats are not and have never been acceptable'' and that it has chosen ''new referees, who will respect the federation rules.''

The FFF said the decision was made in agreement with the French football league, whose president Frederic Thiriez was also critical of the decision to delay kickoff times.