Football Australia Head of Referees and EPL veteran Jon Moss speaks to WA officials

Football West News 1737515406,1737611673
Football Australia Head of Referees Jon Moss
Jon Moss, now Football Australia Head of Referees, gets some advice from then Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho during a game at Villa Park in 2014. Moss and Mourinho had a more heated exchange a year later. Photo by Getty Images

Heard about the time Jose Mourinho was lifted off his feet and thrown out of a referee’s room? You would have if you were at the Sam Kerr Football Centre last week.

That’s because the man who had security eject the seething Special One was in Perth.

New Football Australia Head of Referees Jon Moss spoke to over 60 senior Football West match officials at a pre-season information session, providing an update from Football Australia for the new campaign. He also shared tales from his near 20-year career in England, including details of that half-time rant by former Chelsea manager Mourinho during a defeat at West Ham.

Moss took charge of more than 500 professional games overall, including almost 300 Premier League fixtures. The highlight was his appointment for the 2015 FA Cup final between Arsenal and Aston Villa.  

Football Australia Head of Referees Jon Moss
John Moss, second right, with the Football West Referee team (from left) - Referee Manager Dave Avison, Referee Support Officer Hayden Blore and Referee Coordinator Adrien Liechti

Moss is based at Football Australia's headquarters in Sydney and is responsible for:

  • Overseeing match officials’ development programs
  • Implementing best practices in officiating
  • Enhancing professionalism and accountability within the refereeing community
  • Improving the integration of technology in match officiating
  • Fostering stronger relationships between referees, clubs, and other stakeholders
jon moss
Football Australia Head of Referees Jon Moss at the Sam Kerr Football Centre

"My goal is to elevate the standard of refereeing at all levels, from grassroots to the A-Leagues, ensuring that Australian football continues to thrive and gain international recognition," he said.

Football West General Manager – Football David Lewis said: “We were delighted to have Football Australia Head of Referees Jon Moss visit the Sam Kerr Football Centre and introduce himself to the senior referees and coaches.

“The presentation Jon provided was truly memorable, with an enjoyable mix of information pertinent to the new season before hearing about his journey from taking a referee course at the age of 29 years old to refereeing the FA Cup Final at Wembley.

“The start to a new season is always an exciting time and it is evident to see this with the enthusiasm shown by everyone in attendance with a real buzz in the room.”

  • For anyone keen to start their own refereeing journey, Football West runs regular Junior Match Official courses for anyone aged 13 and over. FULL DETAILS: www.footballwest.com.au/referee/become
     
Football Australia Head of Referees Jon Moss
Jon Moss in charge of the 2015 FA Cup final. Photo by Getty Images