Australian referees end strike, return for A-League and Australia Cup
Nearly 100 referees struck starting September 4. Football Australia and Professional Football Referees Australia reached a framework agreement on Friday.
Football Australia and the referees union settled a strike that had threatened to bring in foreign officials for key games. Nearly 100 refs had walked out starting September 4 over work terms.
Under the deal announced Friday, Football Australia will now employ referees directly. The Australian Professional Leagues will cover match costs.
Union president Evgeny Vizelman said the deal gives members certainty to focus on officiating. The season-opening Sydney derby is October 16.
The settlement clears the way for Australian referees to take the field.
- Nearly 100
- Referees on strike
- September 4
- Strike start date
- Sydney derby, October 16
- Season opener
Why it mattersWithout an agreement, foreign referees would have run key matches. This could have disrupted the start of Australia's domestic football seasons.
AustraliaAustralian referees can now work the A-League and Australia Cup matches as planned, keeping the domestic competitions staffed by local officials.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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