Football Australia launches National Referee Academy

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Football Australia have announced the establishment of the Football Australia Referee Academy (FARA), designed to transform the Match Official pathway and cultivate the development of world-class officials.

FARA is aligned with Football Australia’s XI Principles, with the aim of creating an elite environment for nurturing match officials at all different levels, further lifting the standards of Australian football.

FARA adopts a holistic approach to improving match officials, ensuring that they are well-prepared for the demands of professional football, both domestically and in a global sense

By implementing a consistent and comprehensive education framework, FARA bridges the gap between NPL and A-Leagues, fostering seamless transition and growth for aspiring match officials.

The Academy is a critical component of the ‘Elite Refereeing Development Strategy’, setting a new standard for officiating excellence in Australian football.

Upon launching FARA, Football Australia Head of Referees Nathan Magill said: “Australian officials are highly regarded around the world, which is reflected in the record number of Australian officials who are currently on this year’s FIFA Panel of International Referees.

“The introduction of the Football Australia Referee Academy is about ensuring we continue to develop world-class officials, and by implementing a consistent and comprehensive education framework, the Academy bridges the gap between the state NPL and national A-Leagues’ competitions, fostering seamless transition and growth for aspiring match officials.

“The Football Australia Referee Academy is a critical component of the Elite Refereeing Development Strategy, demonstrating our commitment to raising the bar for officiating excellence and contributing to the overall success of Australian football,” concluded Magill.

FARA will see up to a dozen referees or assistant referees each intake commences a two-year program, which features dedicated referee education, training and mentoring to provide greater individual support covering technical, physical, and mental aspects to underpin accelerated development.

After a rigorous selection process, FARA has confirmed its inaugural intake. These selected referees will benefit from specialist training, mentoring programs, and access to the latest technology and resources. This will improve their decision-making skills and game management, preparing them to suceed in professional football environments.

For the inaugural Referee Academy intake, Football Australia received over 30 nominations, with twelve referees and assistant referees selected by an extensive panel consisting of former FIFA Referee Jacqui Hurford, former A-League Men’s Assistant Referee Daniel Goodwin, and National Wellbeing Manager Kay Robinson, with the 2023 program commencing in late May 2023.

Football Australia Referee Academy – Inaugural intake, Class of 2023

Name of Official State Member Federation Referee or Assistant
Zijad Ahmetovic Football QLD Referee
Vicky Clark Football QLD Assistant Referee
Nick Elagin Football SA Assistant Referee
Mackenzie Janes Football QLD Referee
Alexis Johnson Football NSW Assistant Referee
Page Malau-Aduli Football QLD Referee
Paula Malau-Aduli Football QLD Assistant Referee
Astro Sakalis Football VIC Assistant Referee
Nathan Shakespear Capital Football Referee
William Samsa Football VIC Assistant Referee
Courtney Van Diesen Football VIC Referee
Declan Woods Capital Football Referee

CLICK HERE to view the FARA Member Federation Information Pack.

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Philip Panas is a sports journalist with Soccerscene. He reports widely on football policy and industry matters, drawing on his knowledge and passion of the game.

Friedkin Group to acquire majority stake in Everton

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Image credit: Everton FC Instagram

The Friedkin Group has reached an agreement to buy Farhad Moshiri’s majority 94% stake in Everton. The deal is subject to regulatory approval from the Premier League, the Football Association and the Financial Conduct Authority.

It is believed to be worth in excess of $770 million, leaving Moshiri with little return on his substantial investment.

The US-based group is led by chairman Dan Friedkin, who also owns Roma. He has a net worth of $11bn AUD according to Forbes thanks to The Friedkin Group, which was founded by his father, Thomas H. Friedkin.

Everton would become the 10th club in the Premier League under majority American ownership, joining the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool.

The deal would bring to a conclusion the damaging Moshiri reign. The British-Iranian businessman has invested more than $1445 million in the club since 2016, but many supporters have been deeply unhappy about his ownership because of its failure to hit successful transfers and its enormous debt which lead to points deductions in 2023/24.

Last season they were deducted points twice, amounting to a total of eight after an appeals process, for breaching Premier League financial rules on the level of losses clubs are allowed to make.

Everton, who have not played outside the top flight during the Premier League era, had been toying with relegation under Frank Lampard and current manager Sean Dyche, finishing in the bottom half. They started the season on only one win after six and it suggests they will spend a fourth season near the drop zone.

The Friedkin Group had agreed a deal in principle to purchase current owner Moshiri’s 94% stake in June but talks were called off a month later after the two parties failed to finalise an agreement.

That followed Miami-based 777 Partners being unable to a complete a deal earlier this year which Everton is probably fortunate to hear considering the toxicity around how they have run Standard Liege and Hertha BSC into a tough position.

In June, it was said that Friedkin hinted that he wanted Roma and Everton to sit at the top of a multi-club model, something that The Friedkin Group has yet to experiment.

Everton’s appeal to the Friedkin Group was said to be based on the club’s history, fanbase and the new stadium being built on Bramley-Moore Dock which will be used from the start of the 2025/26 season onwards.

The group in a statement said they remain fully committed to Roma and has no concerns regarding the two clubs co-existing under UEFA rules.

The Friedkin Group assumed control of Italian side Roma in 2020 and guided the club to Europa Conference League success under Jose Mourinho in 2022.

However, this success was short lived, sacking Mourinho only 10 months later before Daniele De Rossi’s short reign has the club in an awkward position in the Serie A.

After some shaky managerial appointments and sackings for AS Roma, Sean Dyche’s future also looks to be in a perilous position if he fails to turn the results around before the new year.

The Friedkin Group released a statement regarding the takeover agreement and their plans to stabilise the club.

“We are pleased to have reached an agreement to become custodians of this iconic football club. We are focused on securing the necessary approvals to complete the transaction,” a spokesperson for the Friedkin Group said in a statement last week.

“We look forward to providing stability to the club and sharing our vision for its future, including the completion of the new Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.”

Overall, this is fantastic news for Everton and its fanbase who were long overdue some clarity around the dark situation of their ownership.

The Friedkin Group are willing to overlook the huge stadium debt and inconsistent league results in an attempt to bring one of England’s oldest clubs back to its former glory which saw them win 9 Division One titles and 3 FA Cups.

The group will lead Everton through its new era, right before they permanently leave Goodison Park and enter the 53,000 capacity Bramley-Moore Dock which should increase the club’s revenue and bring a fresh feel to the club.

Melbourne Victory secures new sponsorship deal with Ferraro Dairy

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Image credit: Melbourne Victory Facebook page

Melbourne Victory Football Club has confirmed a new collaboration with Ferraro Dairy. Under the terms of the agreement, Ferraro Dairy’s brand will be prominently displayed on the back of the shorts for both the A-League Men’s team and Academy teams for the next two seasons.

Ferraro Dairy is an Australian family-owned dairy for 50 years, based in Tullamarine. They pride themselves on high-standard dairy products from Australian produce.

The two-season partnership represents a strategic move for both organisations, combining the prestige of one of Australia’s premier football clubs with a respected name in the dairy industry. By extending the branding to both senior and academy levels, the partnership shows a comprehensive approach to team sponsorship.

Melbourne Victory Managing Director, Caroline Carnegie expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting the alignment between the two organisations.

“We’re incredibly pleased to have Ferraro Dairy on our Men’s kit for the next two seasons and excited to have them along for our journey,” she said via press release.

“Ferraro Dairy is a proud local business that strives for a common goal in driving high standards and delivering a premium product for its loyal clientele.

“We’re thrilled to kick off our partnership with Ferraro Dairy as we head into our 20th season as a Club.”

Ferraro Dairy General Manager, Brad Ferraro echoed the sentiment of excitement about the new partnership.

“It’s an honour to partner with a Club like Melbourne Victory in its historic 20th season and we’re proud to be featured on its iconic kit, we’re excited to be part of their journey and share in the success both on and off the field over the next two years,” Ferraro said via press release.

As Melbourne Victory continues to strengthen its commercial portfolio its partnership with an Australian-based family business, with Ferraro Dairy further solidifies its position as a supporter of local businesses.

This commitment suggests a strong foundation for what both parties hope will be a mutually beneficial relationship.

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