Football Australia has today announced the 26 Australian match officials selected on the FIFA Panel of International Referees for 2021, with 11 Queenslanders named on the panel.
Queensland match officials Chris Beath, Kate Jacewicz and Casey Reibelt have also been acknowledged by FIFA in the newly created role of Video Match Official (VMO). VMOs are able to perform either Video Assistant Referee (VAR) or Assistant Video Assistant Referee (AVAR) roles at FIFA matches and tournaments where VAR is being implemented.
The announcement of the FIFA Panel of International Referees for 2021 follows news that Brisbane’s Casey Reibelt and Gold Coast-raised Kate Jacewicz are in contention to officiate at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup after being selected as candidates for the ‘Road to AUS/NZL’ project from over 750 FIFA referees and assistant referees worldwide.
Football Australia Chairman and Chair of Football Australia’s Referees Committee Mr Chris Nikou congratulated the match officials for retaining their position on the distinguished list.
“It is welcome news and a sign of the esteem in which Australia match officials are held globally that Australia has secured a strong cohort of match officials on the international panel, and congratulations must go to each individual for displaying the dedication and professionalism required to once again be recognised by FIFA at the highest level,” Nikou said.
“Due to the global impacts of COVID-19 2020 was a lean year for international football, however it is expected that international fixtures and tournaments will increase throughout 2021.
“As that occurs, FIFA will have 26 expert Australian match officials ready and eager for appointments, each with the ability to implement the Laws of the Game to a world class standard.”
Australian Match Officials on the FIFA Panel of International Referees 2021
| Name | Role | FIFA International Since |
| Kurt AMS | Referee | 2019 |
| Jonathan BARREIRO | Referee | 2019 |
| Chris BEATH | Referee | 2011 |
| Rebecca DURCAU | Referee | 2017 |
| Shaun EVANS | Referee | 2017 |
| Kate JACEWICZ | Referee | 2011 |
| Alexander KING | Referee | 2020 |
| Lara LEE | Referee | 2019 |
| Casey REIBELT | Referee | 2014 |
| Ashley BEECHAM | Assistant Referee | 2013 |
| Joanna CHARAKTIS | Assistant Referee | 2019 |
| Renae COGHILL | Assistant Referee | 2015 |
| Matthew CREAM | Assistant Referee | 2000 |
| Ryan GALLAGHER | Assistant Referee | 2016 |
| Owen GOLDRICK | Assistant Referee | 2018 |
| Lance GREENSHIELDS | Assistant Referee | 2019 |
| Sarah HO | Assistant Referee | 2004 |
| George LAKRINDIS | Assistant Referee | 2016 |
| Andrew LINDSAY | Assistant Referee | 2019 |
| Nathan MACDONALD | Assistant Referee | 2012 |
| Laura MOYA | Assistant Referee | 2017 |
| Anton SHCHETININ | Assistant Referee | 2016 |
| Andrew BEST | Futsal Referee | 2017 |
| Jonathon MOORE | Futsal Referee | 2018 |
| Ryan SHEPHEARD | Futsal Referee | 2009 |
| Darius TURNER | Futsal Referee | 2013 |
Image: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images
