Australian professional referees have voted to withdraw from selected upcoming matches until employment and payment issues are resolved.
The Professional Football Referees Association said affected members would not accept appointments for Australia Cup, Australian Championship, A-League Men or A-League Women trial matches while their requirements remain unmet.
The dispute includes a proposal for some officials to be contracted directly by the Australian Professional Leagues. The PFRA argues that this could create a conflict of interest because the APL is controlled by clubs whose teams the referees officiate.
The association is seeking independent employment arrangements, preferably through Football Australia or an independent refereeing body, payment of outstanding match fees and expenses, and the extension of current contracts until 30 June 2027 on existing terms.
According to the PFRA, elite match officials are currently uncontracted and some referees who worked A-League trial matches are still awaiting payment.
The association said it remained willing to negotiate with Football Australia and hoped for a quick resolution.
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