Alex King has been named the Referee of the Year, and has been appointed to lead Saturday’s blockbuster Isuzu UTE A-League 2026 Grand Final in New Zealand.
This is King’s third Referee of the Year award, after taking out the honour in 2021/22 and 2023/24. As one of Australia’s leading referees, King has officiated in some of the biggest matches domestically and internationally, taking control of over 180 matches in the Isuzu UTE A-League and currently sits fourth in total matches officiated in the league behind Peter Green, Shaun Evans and Chris Beath.
King will also referee his third Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final, leading the sides out at Go Media Stadium on Saturday for the first-ever Grand Final on New Zealand soil.
King will be joined by Assistant Referee 1, Kearney Robinson, Assistant Referee 2, Daniel Ilievski, and Fourth Official, Daniel Elder.
The quartet will also be accompanied by Reserve Assistant Referee, Bradley Wright, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Shaun Evans, Assistant VAR, Kate Jacewicz and Offside Support Official, Sam Kelly.
The Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final also marks the final time Kate Jacewicz will be a part of an officiating crew in Australian professional football before retirement. Jacewicz has been a pioneer for women’s officiating in Australia, being the first female referee to officiate an Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s match and the youngest to officiate a Ninja A-League Grand Final at 23 years of age, just to name a few of her long list of accolades in professional football.
The Isuzu UTE A-League Men Referee of the Year is awarded to the referee who is judged as the best referee for the Isuzu UTE A-League Men regular season, by Football Australia Head of Referees, Jon Moss, and A-Leagues CEO, Steve Rosich.
A-Leagues CEO, Steve Rosich, said: “On behalf of everyone at the A-Leagues, we’d like to congratulate Alex on his standout season, and recognise and thank Kate for her contribution to our game.”
“As a three-time winner of the award, Alex continues to lead the game with respect and class, and we’re proud to have him leading the officiating team once again this weekend for the biggest fixture of the season.
“We wish Alex and the wider officiating team the best of luck on Saturday in New Zealand as they take to the field for an historic Isuzu UTE A-league 2026 Grand Final.”
Football Australia Head of Referees, Jon Moss, said: “The appointment of match officials for any Grand Final is a reflection of consistent excellence, professionalism, and performance throughout the season, and this team brings enormous experience and quality to one of the biggest matches in the Australian football calendar.”
“Alex King has demonstrated exceptional leadership and composure throughout the season and is thoroughly deserving of this appointment.”
On Kate Jacewicz’s retirement, Moss added: “Kate’s contribution to Australian and world football has been extraordinary. She has not only performed at the very highest level across domestic and international football, but she has also broken barriers and inspired a generation of match officials who will follow in her footsteps.”
“To finish her active career as part of the Grand Final officiating team is a fitting recognition of everything she has given to the game. On behalf of Football Australia, we thank Kate for her outstanding service and wish her every success in the next chapter.”
Chair of Football Australia Referee Committee, David Elleray said: “Many congratulations to all the officials appointed to this wonderful climax to the season.”
“Special best wishes to Kate as she marks the end of her remarkable and impactful career. I have no doubt you will all work as hard as you can (and as you always do) to enhance this match. Wishing you the very best of luck and an ‘under the radar’ performance!”
King will be presented with his award at the conclusion of the Isuzu UTE A-League 2026 Grand Final on Saturday at Go Media Stadium.
Fans can watch and stream the Isuzu UTE A-League 2026 Grand Final live on 10, 10 Streaming and Paramount+.
For New Zealand viewers, the Isuzu UTE A-League 2026 Grand Final will be available live on Sky Sport, can be streamed on Sky Sport Now and Sky Go and will play free-to-air on Sky Open.
For more information on the A-Leagues head to www.aleagues.com.au or download the Official A-Leagues App.
Isuzu UTE A-League Men 2026 Grand Final
Auckland FC (3) vs Sydney FC (5), 6.10pm AEST / 8.10pm NZST on Saturday 23 May at Go Media Stadium - live on 10, 10 Streaming and Paramount+, and Sky Sport NZ.
