Football Australia will introduce VARdict in the Isuzu UTE A-League for the first time in 2025-26, while Casey Reibelt has made history with her full-time appointment.
FA announced a series of key developments in refereeing for the season ahead, including the introduction of VARdict for the first time in the men’s competition this term.
The in-stadium system will provide real-time updates on big screens during VAR checks, giving supporters a more transparent and engaging VAR experience in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
CLICK HERE TO BECOME AN A-LEAGUES CLUB MEMBER TODAY!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL 2025-26 FIXTURE
Meanwhile, Reibelt has been appointed as Australia’s first full-time female referee in a landmark achievement.
As part of FA’s ongoing investment in the professionalisation of refereeing, the A-Leagues Professional Referee Panel will expand from four to 13 officials.
The newly-structured panel will feature six full-time referees supported by seven part-time referees, “ensuring greater depth, consistency, and quality in officiating at the elite level”.
FA’s refereeing department will also welcome five new Match Official Developers focused on referee wellbeing and long-term development; Kelly Jones and Renae Coghill will lead initiatives in the female refereeing space while Chris Beath, David Walsh, and Luke Brennan will support development across the men’s competitions.
2025-26 FIXTURE RELEASE
FULL FIXTURES: Every match of the Isuzu UTE A-League 25-26 season here
DERBY DATES: The matches to circle in your calendar now
FIRST 5 FIXTURES: Your Isuzu UTE A-League team’s start to the 2025-26 season
FINALS SERIES: 2025-26 structure and dates
TRANSFER CENTRE: Your club’s ins/outs ahead of the upcoming season
Meanwhile, FA is set to introduce several important law changes in 2025-26 in line with the latest IFAB updates:
- Dropped Ball: Adjusted procedures to ensure greater fairness and flow of play.
- Double Touch at a Penalty Kick: Clarified enforcement when the kicker touches the ball twice.
- Captains Only Approach: Reinforcing respect and communication by ensuring only team captains may approach the referee.
- Goalkeepers’ 8-Second Release: Clearer application of time limits for goalkeepers in possession.
“We’re proud of the progress being made across all areas of refereeing in Australia,” said Football Australia’s Head of Refereeing Jon Moss.
“From law updates and professional growth to wellbeing and international recognition, these developments demonstrate our commitment to excellence and to supporting every referee in their journey.”
The Isuzu UTE A-League 2025-26 campaign will kick-off on Friday, with Adelaide United hosting Sydney FC before Brisbane Roar entertain Macarthur Bulls.
2025-26 NINJA A-LEAGUE FIXTURE RELEASE
FULL FIXTURES: Every match of the Ninja A-League 25-26 season here
DERBY DATES: The matches to circle in your calendar now
FIRST 5 FIXTURES: Your Ninja A-League team’s start to the 2025-26 season
FINALS SERIES: 2025-26 structure and dates
TRANSFER CENTRE: Your club’s ins/outs ahead of the upcoming season
