Aussie Refs Join FIFA's Global Match Officials List

Football Australia is pleased to confirm the appointment of 32 Australian match officials to the 2026 FIFA International Referee Lists.

2026 sees the retirement of several long-standing and internationally respected match officials and includes one additional Australian official compared to 2025.

The minimal changes, from last year, highlight a period of stability within Australian refereeing, while continuing to demonstrate ongoing international growth and recognition.

New Australian referees added to the FIFA International Referee Lists for 2026 are as follows:

• Referees
  • Tim Danaskos
  • Georgia Ghirardello
• Assistant Referee
  • Paula Orlandi
• Video Match Officials
  • Adam Kersey
  • Daniel Elder
• Futsal Referee
  • Maria Patrikis - the first female Australian official appointed to the FIFA Futsal Referee List

International referees Jonathan Barreiro, Rebecca Durcau and Joanna Charaktis will no longer be on the FIFA International Referee list, with Barreiro and Durcau continuing to officiate within the A-Leagues.

Quotes attributed to Football Australia Interim CEO, Heather Garriock:

"The appointment of Australian referees represents the strength of Football Australia's domestic and development pathways.

"The addition of six new referees from Australia in 2026 is a great achievement and Maria Patrikis' appointment, who recently joined the inaugural AFC Futsal Referee Academy, is a historic moment and it is great to see Australian women continue to break into new territory.

"We are proud to see all our Australian officials gaining invaluable international experience, both those appointed in 2026 and those already representing Australia on the FIFA International RefereeLists.

"What a great way to showcase the breath of refereeing in Australia and the strength of Football Australia's refereeing pathways on the world stage.

"I would also like to thank Jonathan Barriero, Rebecca Durcau and Joanna Charaktis on the roles they have played in representing Australia and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavours."

Quotes attributed to Head of Refereeing, Jon Moss:

"The addition of Georgia, Tim, Paula, Maria, Adam and Daniel to the FIFA International Referee Lists is a significant milestone and a reflection of the depth, quality, and consistency of refereeing in Australia.

"Each has demonstrated strong performance, professionalism, and the ability to operate under pressure at the highest domestic level, earning their progression to the international stage.

"At the same time, we sincerely thank Jonathan, Joanna and Rebecca for their exceptional contribution as FIFA match officials. Their influence will continue to be felt through the officials they have mentored and the standards they have established. We are confident the next generation will build strongly on the legacy they leave behind."

In other news, three Football Australia referees, Adam Kersey, Owen Goldrick, and Arvin Shanmuganathan, will take charge of the Singapore Cup 2025/26 Final between Lion City Sailors and BG Tampines Rovers.

This marks the first time Australian referees have been appointed to officiate this prestigious cup final - a tremendous honour and recognition of their professionalism and expertise on the international stage.

Five of Football Australia's match officials are also representing the country at the AFC U-23 Asian Cup this month including Alex King, Andrew Lindsay, Kearney Robinson, and Kate Jacewicz who will take charge of Qatar vs United Arab Emirates and Mi Suk Park, Korean-born, is the Assistant Referee for Australia vs Thailand.

Australian Match Officials on the FIFA List of International Match Officials 2026

Referees

Assistant Referees

Video Match Official

Futsal Referees

* Denotes new in 2026