VAR Training: Advancing Referee Technology in OFC

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VAR OFC
Image Credit: OFC via SAFF

Three Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) representatives have completed an educational training seminar in Saudi Arabia on Virtual Assistant Referee (VAR) technology. The trip comes as the Confederation continues to implement VAR as part of its continental upgrades before the OFC Professional League kicks off in January 2026.

OFC VAR Project Manager, Mihaly Fabian was joined by instructors Jamie Cross and Nick Waldron as they sought to improve their knowledge on VAR to streamline the OFC’s adoption of the technology.

Training on VAR began with the instructors watching how VAR was used across a number of Saudi League matches in Riyadh. The trio then attended seminars in Gassim for referees and VAR Officials designed for Saudi Arabia’s top two divisions, the Roshn Saudi League and Yelo Saudi League.

As the week progressed the instructors first participated in a Yelo Saudi League seminar, discussing post-match analysis. Finally, the team attended a Roshn Saudi League seminar to understand how VAR is utilised at the highest levels of play. Both sessions covered critical topics such as handballs, penalties, offsides and general VAR procedures.

OFC Head of Refereeing, Kevin Stoltenkamp underlined the significance of the seminars for the Confederation as a whole.

“Providing our match officials with exposure to high-level VAR environments is crucial. This experience will accelerate their development and support OFC’s implementation of VAR across Oceania,” he said via press release.

Upon returning to the Confederation, Fabian expressed his gratitude for the opportunity.

“We were fortunate to learn from some of the best VAR instructors in the world. We would like to make a special thank you to Manuel Navarro, Farkhad Abdullaev, Hakan Anaz and Ali Altraifi,” he said in a press release.

“SAFF’s (Saudi Arabian Football Federation) incredible hospitality and willingness to share knowledge made this an invaluable experience. Hopefully, this is just the beginning of a strong, long-term collaboration between OFC and SAFF.”

The Oceania Football Confederation will continue to work to roll out VAR across the Confederation as it progresses through stage three of FIFA’s Implementation Assistant and Approval Programme (IAAP).

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Optus joins Football Queensland as Telco Partner in the North

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Image Credit: FQ Far North & Gulf Facebook

Football Queensland (FQ) has confirmed its collaboration with Optus, naming the leading telecommunication provider as its Official Telecommunications Partner across the Northern, Far North and Gulf regions.

The collaboration will see Optus play an active role in supporting grassroots football throughout the year-long partnership, with a visible presence at FQ precincts in both Cairns and Townsville. This will include branded signage and community-focused activations at key events, further enhancing the matchday experience for players, families, and fans.

FQ General Manager – Northern Conference, Craig Ramage, said the partnership will be a valuable boost for local communities and reflects FQ’s commitment to growing the game in regional areas.

“Football Queensland is excited to expand its long-standing relationship with Optus as we enter into a thriving partnership in the Northern and Far North & Gulf regions,” he said via press release.

“It is excellent to have a brand as prominent as Optus recognise the importance of grassroots football in regional areas.

“Optus’ year-long support will provide a crucial boost that directly benefits clubs and participants across the region, strengthening communities and actively contributing to FQ’s vision for the future of football.”

Optus General Manager North Queensland, Dave Morrissey, emphasised the importance of the North Queensland football community and Optus’ commitment to supporting the next generation as they develop into future stars of the game.

“It is our absolute pleasure to partner with Football Queensland’s Northern and Far North regions. It is great to get to watch the next generation of young players grow their skills and love for the game, and we appreciate all the support we get in return from the local community,” he said via press release.

Football communities attending events and matches at Paradise Park and Macca’s Park can expect to see Optus actively involved throughout the season, with a strong presence around the grounds that reflects the brand’s commitment to regional engagement and sporting development.

Football Australia CEO James Johnson to step down

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Image credit: Football Australia

Chief Executive Officer of Football Australia, James Johnson has advised the Board of his decision to resign.

Mr Johnson’s decision marks the end of his 5½-year term as CEO of the sport’s governing body, during which he, together with the Board, the Football Australia team, and the wider football community, led one of the most successful eras in Australian football history.

During his tenure, Mr Johnson steered Australian football through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, helping the sport reach record participation levels. Under his leadership, Football Australia launched a 15-year strategic vision, achieved unprecedented revenue growth, implemented significant reforms such as Club Licensing Regulations and updates to the Player Transfer System, and revitalised the Australia Cup by linking it to Asia via the AFC Club Competitions.

Mr Johnson oversaw Football Australia’s successful bid for and hosting of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, a globally acclaimed event that marked a cultural turning point for sport in Australia. During his time as CEO, Football Australia also secured hosting rights for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ and elevated both the men’s and women’s national teams into prominent global sporting brands, each achieving their best-ever results at the FIFA World Cup 2022™ and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™.

In a reflection on his time at the helm, James Johnson expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead Football Australia over the past 5½ years, highlighting the dedication and talent of the colleagues he worked with throughout his tenure.

“It has been a privilege to lead Football Australia for the past 5½ years, having had the pleasure to work alongside the most talented, committed and dedicated staff, executives and board members,” he said via press release.

“As someone who is immensely passionate about Australian football, this decision has not come easy, but I believe the time is right to step down.

“I want to extend my thank you to the Football Australia Board and everyone within the Australian football community for their support during my tenure. Football is a local and global sport so no matter where I am, I will always be here to support Football Australia and Australian football.”

The Football Australia Board has appointed current director and former Matilda, Heather Garriock, as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

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