Australian Match Officials named on FIFA Panel of International Referees for 2021

Football Australia has announced that 26 Australian Match Officials have been selected on the FIFA Panel of International Referees for 2021. 

Football Australia Chairman and Chair of Football Australia’s Referees Committee, Mr Chris Nikou, congratulated each Match Official for securing their positions and continuing their strong contributions to refereeing. 

“It is welcome news and a sign of the esteem in which Australian Match Officials are held globally that Australia has secured a strong cohort of Match Officials on the international panel, and congratulations must go to each individual for displaying the dedication and professionalism required to once again be recognised by FIFA at the highest level,” Nikou said. 

“Due to the global impacts of COVID-19, 2020 was a lean year for international football – however it is expected that international fixtures and tournaments will increase throughout 2021. 

“As that occurs, FIFA will have 26 expert Australian Match Officials ready and eager for appointments, each with the ability to implement the Laws of the Game to a world class standard.” 

Football Australia Chief Executive Officer, James Johnson, outlined how developing world class Australian Match Officials is key for the future of the sport.

“Match Officials are an important contributor to our game, particularly the on-field product, and are critical to football at all levels,” he said.

“Developing our Match Officials to a world class standard is a central focus of Principle Six of the XI Principles for the future of Australian football.

“In line with the measures proposed in Principle Six, Football Australia will continue to lead work to develop the pathways and opportunities available to Australian Match Officials, which will help service the grassroots and community game, our National Premier Leagues, as well as the Professional Leagues. Football Australia will also continue to appoint Australia’s top referees to the Professional Leagues.”

Five of Australia’s match officials – Kate Jacewicz, Casey Reibelt, Sarah Ho, Chris Beath, and Shaun Evans – have also been acknowledged by FIFA in the newly created role of Video Match Official (VMO). VMO’s are able to perform either Video Assistant Referee (VAR) or Assistant Video Assistant Referee (AVAR) roles at FIFA matches and tournaments where VAR is being implemented.  

Australian Match Officials on the FIFA Panel of International Referees 2021 as confirmed by Football Australia:

*Match officials listed in bold also assigned to FIFA’s newly created Video Match Official (VMO) Panel.