Tony Boscovic

A native of the former Yugoslavia, Tony Boskovic emigrated to Australia in 1955.

He quickly rose through the referee ranks to become acknowledged as the best in Australia.

He was in the centre for 13 consecutive NSW State League grand finals and became a regular for the National Soccer League from its inception in 1977 until he retired in 1983.

Boskovic became the first Australian to be appointed to the World Cup Finals panel when he was selected for Germany in 1974, handling the match between Holland and Bulgaria.

Boskovic was a regular visitor to Asia where he was frequently appointed for major finals such as the Merlion and Kings Cups.

A winner of the National Soccer League Referee of the Year Award in 1979 and 1982, Boskovic earned the respect of players around Australia and overseas for his no-nonsense decisions and complete control of the game.