Football Australia is pleased to announce a series of key developments in refereeing for the 2025/26 season, highlighting the ongoing investment in the growth, professionalism and wellbeing of match officials.
As part of its ongoing investment in the professionalisation of refereeing, Football Australia will expand the A-League Professional Referee Panel from four to thirteen officials. This newly structured panel will comprise six full-time referees supported by seven part-time referees, ensuring greater depth, consistency, and quality in officiating at the elite level.
In a landmark achievement, Casey Riebelt has been appointed as Australia’s first full-time female referee. Her appointment reflects Football Australia’s dedication to creating a diverse and inclusive pathway for all officials.
Further strengthening its support systems, Football Australia’s refereeing department welcomes five new Match Official Developers focused on referee wellbeing and long-term development. Kelly Jones and Renae Coghill will lead initiatives in the female refereeing space while Chris Beath, David Walsh, and Luke Brennan will support development across the men’s competitions.
These appointments strengthen the department’s focus on supporting match officials both on and off the field, ensuring they continue to perform at the highest level.
Alongside these appointments, Football Australia will introduce several important law changes for the 2025/26 season in line with the latest IFAB updates. These changes include:
- Dropped Ball: Adjusted procedures to ensure greater fairness and flow of play.
- Double Touch at a Penalty Kick: Clarified enforcement when the kicker touches the ball twice.
- Captains Only Approach: Reinforcing respect and communication by ensuring only team captains may approach the referee.
- Goalkeepers’ 8-Second Release: Clearer application of time limits for goalkeepers in possession.
These updates will support consistency and game management at all levels of the game.
In the A-League Men, for the first time, VARdict, an in-stadium system providing real-time updates on big screens during VAR checks, will be introduced which will give supporters a more transparent and engaging VAR experience.
Quotes attributable to Head of Refereeing at Football Australia, Jon Moss:
“We’re proud of the progress being made across all areas of refereeing in Australia.
“From law updates and professional growth to wellbeing and international recognition, these developments demonstrate our commitment to excellence and to supporting every referee in their journey.”
