Report reveals accuracy of A-League match officials improved during 2024-25 season

An end-of-season report has revealed that A-League referees have become better at making correct decisions.

Referees boss Jon Moss has hailed the “professionalism” of A-League match officials following an improvement in decision-making accuracy during the 2024-25 season.

Football Australia’s end-of-season refereeing and video assistant referee report revealed that a “benchmark” 98.8 per cent of VAR decisions were correct.

The report showed that VAR reviews had reduced to 48 – 44 fewer than the pre-season – across 1556 on-field decisions, and there was an intervention rate of just 4 per cent.

“We’re seeing tangible year-on-year improvement, not just in accuracy, but in game management and the integration of new talent into the elite level,” Moss said.

“The data tells a clear story – fewer cards, fewer incorrect calls, and more consistency.

“This is a credit to the professionalism of our referees and their willingness to adapt to the tactical shifts occurring in the A-League.”

Referee Alireza Faghani takes control of the situation during an A-League match. Picture: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images

Yellow cards per game dropped by 12.8 per cent from the previous season, while the total number of red cards fell by 56.8 per cent and second yellow-card dismissals were down by 13 per cent.

FA interim chief executive officer Heather Garriock said the data “demonstrates the progress we’re making in delivering officiating that is both accurate and aligned with the modern game”.

“To see improved decision-making across the board, combined with fewer cards and a low VAR intervention rate, speaks volumes about the quality and consistency of our match officials,” Garriock said.

Originally published as Report reveals accuracy of A-League match officials improved during 2024-25 season