Former World Cup referee Eugene Brazzale has been appointed as the new elite coach for Australia’s top referees.
Football Federation Australia (FFA) today announced that well-respected former FIFA international referee, Eugene Brazzale, has been appointed as the Elite Coach for Australia’s top match officials. Brazzale replaces former coach Barry Such, who has retired after three years in the role.
Brazzale will provide Australia’s elite referees with expert coaching advice and support across FFA’s national leagues and competitions, including the Hyundai A-League and the Westfield W-League. He will also coach referees in the National Talent Pool, ensuring a constant supply of referees capable of officiating in FFA’s elite competitions.
Brazzale had an extensive and successful refereeing career and is still the only Australian to be appointed to both the FIFA Assistant Referees panel (1993-1994) and the FIFA Referees panel (1995-1999). Brazzale’s career highlights include his appointment to the 1994 FIFA World Cup and refereeing the 1998 National Soccer League Grand Final.
FFA’s Director of Referees Ben Wilson welcomed the appointment. “It is fantastic that we have someone of Eugene’s calibre and experience joining the referee coaching team,” said Wilson.
“I am excited to have Eugene working closely with Australia’s elite referees to improve refereeing standards,” concluded Wilson.
Brazzale has a long history in football, having been involved as a player, referee, referee’s coach, and more recently as a club volunteer and junior team coach.
Brazzale commences on 6 October 2014.
