Macarthur FC captain Valere Germain sensationally quits A-League over poor ref standards

Macarthur captain Valere Germain has sensationally terminated his contract ahead of the A-League finals, citing poor refereeing standards.

Macarthur FC’s hopes of playing in the A-League finals have taken a massive hit with club captain Valere Germain terminating his contract after feeling let down by the state of officiating in Australia.

Referees down under have come under the microscope in recent seasons with fans and players feeling the standard is well below acceptable levels.

Football Australia (FA) said it thoroughly reviewed the standard of A-League refereeing at the end of last season after being forced to apologise for several incorrect decisions in the 2023/24 season.

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But many feel there hasn’t been any noticeable improvement since that investigation.

And the issue has now come to a head with French forward Germain asking Macarthur for a release, citing Australian refereeing standards as the reason he wishes to terminate his contract.

Valere Germain has terminated his Bulls contract (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

Bulls officials confirmed on Monday that Germain’s request has been granted, with the 34-year-old forward set to take up a new deal in the J-League, AAP reports.

“It’s disappointing that any player, a marquee player, especially one of the quality of Valere Germain, is frustrated by the refereeing in this country,” Macarthur chairman Gino Marra told AAP.

“I’m sure many fans and clubs feel the same way.

“Valere has been a true professional at all times at the club and we wish him and his family all the very best.”

It comes after Germain had reportedly privately voiced concerns about being unfairly targeted by rival players and felt officials were not properly protecting him – by cautioning players who were overly aggressive and reckless.

Germain was also due to face a FA hearing this week after being handed a show-cause notice.

It was alleged the 24-year-old made a lewd gesture at a match official.

But Macarthur has advised FA they would not be appealing the decision as Germain had asked for and received a release from his contract.

Valere Germain felt he wasn’t properly protected by referees. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

It is not the first time Germain has fallen foul of Australian match officials, missing the club’s Australia Cup final victory after being sent off in a semi-final win over South Melbourne this season.

Macarthur are seventh on the ladder on goal difference but have just one win in their past five outings after Sunday’s defeat to the eight-placed Wanderers.

The loss of their captain is a hammer blow to their finals chances, with Macarthur coach Mile Sterjovski stating Valere’s contract termination is a huge loss for the club.

“It’s unfortunate that Valere is leaving the club,” Sterjovski said in a statement.

“He is a great person and professional who gave his best to the club. I know that he loved playing for the club.

“It’s great to see what we have done this season, and how it has attracted interest for our players both young and experienced.”

Originally published as Macarthur FC captain Valere Germain sensationally quits A-League over poor ref standards