The Professional Football Referees Association (PFRA) have announced that they will no longer be available to officiate both FFA Cup and A-Leagues trial fixtures over the coming months.
PFRA state that they advised Football Australia yesterday (Monday 11th of October) on the back of over three months of long-term discussions which are as follows.
In a release, the PFRA state:
- “The A-Leagues Leadership and Coaching department did not have their contracts renewed as the League separated from Football Australia in July 2021. For the past three months, the A-Leagues referees have had no direction, coaching/ instruction, and no fitness coaching. We are now just weeks out from the start of the season, and the referees find themselves in a position without any form of coaching and/or preparation.
- The A-Leagues panels were announced, and members were unfairly removed from their position without any due process or warning. There was no performance management or even an indication that any members may have been in danger of losing their position. Yet, the FA Referees Committee saw fit to remove these members of their own accord without following any apparent process.
- Finally, the A-Leagues referees are without a contract for the coming season. This has been an ongoing issue for referees and despite constant efforts to have this resolved – there are no current contracts in place for the coming season.”
President of the PFRA, Paul Cetrangolo demonstrated the association’s reason for the decision that was made.
“The PFRA A-Leagues referees sacrifice an enormous amount for football in the country and it seems staggering that we find ourselves in a position without basic items such as leadership, coaching staff, fair processes for changes to panels, and a standard contract.
“The PFRA remains committed to solving these issues but will not officiate further matches while these items remain outstanding.”
The next professional football fixture to take place within Australia is the Round of 16 FFA Cup fixture between Adelaide Olympic and Adelaide United to take place on the 17th of October.
UPDATE:
Football Australia this evening have made a statement, responding to the PFRA.
“Football Australia recently confirmed a new structure for referees and today advertised for several new positions, including a Head of Refereeing to lead the new department.
“Football Australia can confirm that it is also holding discussions around contractual terms with A-League referees.
“The FFA Cup and A-League trial matches will go ahead as scheduled and referees have and will be appointed for these matches.”
