Referees want Stephen Lucas returned to A-League panel

Australia’s top football referees are still on strike, with the start of the new A-League season less than three weeks away.

Referee Stephen Lucas explains his decision to Nigel Boogaard during an A-League match in 2019. Picture: Darren Pateman / AAP

The Professional Football Referees Association of Australia wants Stephen Lucas reinstated to the A-League panel before ceasing strike action that threatens to derail the season.

PFRA members remain on strike less than three weeks before the start of the 2021-22 A-League season.

During the strike, A-League trials and FFA Cup matches have been officiated by non-PFRA members and NPL referees.

PFRA members went on strike last month in protest against a number of issues. They included the A-League leadership and coaching department not having their contracts renewed when the league separated from Football Australia in July.

The absence of that department has led to match officials having no direction, coaching, instruction, and fitness coaching for more than three months.

The PFRA was also unhappy about the removal of Lucas from this season’s A-League panel and Matthew Cream from Australia’s FIFA list “without any due process or warning”.

However, a contract standoff over improved employment terms and pay for match officials seems to have been resolved.

Stephen Lucas sends off the Victory’s Kristian Dobras in 2019. Picture: Robert Cianflone / Getty Images

Interviews have also taken place for the head of referees’ position, with the successful candidate expected to have input in the appointment of the referees’ coaching staff.

However, FA is preparing for resistance from the PFRA about the decisions on Cream and Lucas.

While the battle to have Cream reinstated to the FIFA list could prove too much for the PFRA if FIFA has already filled the spot, Lucas’ dumping from the A-League panel is unlikely to be tolerated by the referees’ union.

Lucas has refereed 54 A-League matches dating back to 2014.

PFRA of Australia president Paul Cetrangolo said reasons for Lucas’ axing had not been provided by FA.

“Stephen wasn’t performance managed last season,” Cetrangolo said.

“This is an issue that remains outstanding.”

PFRA members will meet on Wednesday night to further discuss contract matters and the situations of Cream and Lucas.

Originally published as Referees want Stephen Lucas returned to A-League panel