Vale Des Miles

Football Australia is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former National Soccer League (NSL) and FIFA referee Des Miles. 

A Premiership-winning player with local club Mitchelton FC in 1959, Des became a referee in 1961 and was a member of the Referees Federation Management Committee from 1967 to 1975. 

After earning his FIFA badge in 1977, he went on to serve as Vice President of the Referees Federation Management Committee from 1978 to 2001 and was awarded Life Membership in 1978. 

One of the top referees not only in Queensland but in the country for almost two decades, Des held the position of State Referees Coach from 1973 to 1989 and was inducted into the Football Australia Hall of Fame in 1999. 

In the years after his refereeing career came to an end, Des played a significant role in the development of young Queensland match officials as a coach, mentor and assessor. 

In recognition of Des’ invaluable contributions to refereeing in the state, Football Queensland each year presents the Des Miles Medal to the Junior Referee of the Year. 

A much-loved member of the refereeing fraternity, Des’ dedication to nurturing the next generation of match officials and his contributions to the game will never be forgotten. 

Football Australia would like to pass on its sincere condolences to the Miles family and his close friends.

Main image: Courier Mail