FFA congratulates 27 Australians on FIFA Panel of International Referees

Football Federation Australia is pleased to congratulate the 27 Match Officials selected on the FIFA Panel of International Referees for 2019.

Australia’s representation of Match Officials on the coveted FIFA panel continues to grow as Hyundai A-League Referees Kurt Ams and Jonathan Barreiro will join the Men’s Referee Panel along with new-coming Assistant Referees Lance Greenshields and Andrew Lindsay.

Similarly, Westfield W-League Referee Lara Lee and Assistant Referee Joanna Charaktis join the Women’s Panel for 2019.

Brisbane-based Lara Lee was surprised yet honoured to have been selected onto the FIFA panel.

“I was actually speechless when I received the phone call about the nomination. It’s a surreal feeling - excitement that you cannot describe.”

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Likewise, Sydney-based Lance Greenshields was equally excited and reflects on the commitment required to reach this level.

“It feels amazing! It’s a huge relief after being a Hyundai A-League referee for the past 8 seasons and having this dream ever since I started refereeing in the NSW State League," he said.

"To make it to this level, you have to sacrifice so much of your social life from birthdays to weddings. 

"I’m looking forward to doing the best I possibly can and can’t wait for the experience while I continue to learn and grow as a Match Official.“

2019 continues to mark significant milestones and experiences for Australia’s FIFA Match Officials.

Referees Chris Beath, Peter Green and Assistant Referees Matthew Cream and Anton Shchetinin are currently representing Australia at the AFC Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

Meanwhile, Kate Jacewicz and Casey Reibelt showcase their skills on the international stage and will officiate at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.

FFA Director of Referees Ben Wilson congratulated Australia’s new FIFA Match Officials.  

“I want to congratulate all of Australia’s 2019 FIFA panel but especially the six new match officials," he said.

"There are now 27 Australian referees and assistant referees on the FIFA list which reflects the strong development pathway for our referees. I look forward to seeing them all perform strongly again this year.”

Australian Match Officals on FIFA International Refereeing List

Men Referees: Kurt Ams, Jonathan Barreiro, Chris Beath, Shaun Evans, Jarred Gillett, Peter Green

Men Assistant Referees: Ashley Beecham, Matthew Cream, Ryan Gallagher, Owen Goldrick, Lance Greenshields, George Lakrindis, Andrew Lindsay, Nathan MacDonald, Anton Shchetinin

Women Referees: Rebecca Durcau, Kate Jacewicz, Lara Lee, Casey Reibelt

Women Assistant Referees: Joanna Charaktis Renae Coghill, Laura Moya, Sarah Ho

Men Futsal Referees: Andrew Best, Jonathon Moore, Ryan Shepheard, Darius Turner