Peter Green announces retirement
Professional Football Referees Association (PFRA) Executive Committee member Peter Green has announced his retirement from refereeing.
Domestically, Green officiated 40 matches in the National Soccer League and 200 matches in the Hyundai A-League, cementing his position as one of Australia’s most successful and well-respected referees.
The two-time Hyundai A-League Referee of the Year (2013 and 2014) also officiated two Grand Finals (2013 and 2014), the 2016 Westfield FFA Cup Final and was an inaugural member of the Hyundai A-League Video Assistant Referee (VAR) panel.
Following close to two decades serving as a match official in Australia’s national leagues, Green said the time was right to hang up the whistle.
“Having spent the best part of the last 20 years as a referee on the A-League (and NSL), it is now time for me to focus on those things that have been neglected over that time – my family and my work, “ he said.
“There are far too many people to thank and acknowledge from the past 20 years and beyond to do that any justice, however, I do need to acknowledge my wife Bianca who has been there from the very beginning.
“If Bianca hadn’t been as supportive and sacrificed her own career at times over the years, I certainly wouldn’t have achieved anywhere near what I have in the game.
“The highlight of my career is with out doubt the friendships formed over that time and I’m grateful I was able to be involved in the game with such a great bunch of people.”
Green’s announcement also signals the end of his stellar international career.
A FIFA referee since 2006 and an Asian Football Confederation (AFC) elite referee since 2008, Green has officiated in numerous Under 16 and Under 19 Championships and refereed qualification matches for AFC Asian Cups, Olympic Games and FIFA World Cups as well as many AFC Cup and AFC Champions League fixtures.
Most recently, Green officiated at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
“On behalf of the PFRA, I’d like to congratulate Peter on a fantastic refereeing career,” PFRA President Strebre Delovski said.
“When reflecting on Peter’s list of achievements, it is clear he will be missed by FFA, AFC, FIFA and all of us at the PFRA.
“We’re happy Peter won't be lost to refereeing and has agreed to stay on as a member of the PFRA.”
