Football Australia today announces that Nathan Magill will depart the organisation as the Head of Referees, effective Friday, 19 July 2024.

Magill will be taking up a prestigious new role as the Head of Referee Development at the English Football Association (The FA), a testament to his exceptional skills and leadership in officiating.

Since joining Football Australia in 2021, Magill has dedicated himself to developing a robust and talented team of match officials who have contributed to the integrity and quality of the sport at all levels, where his leadership has been instrumental in advancing the standards and professionalism of refereeing in Australian football.

Reflecting on his tenure, Nathan Magill stated: “My time as Head of Referees has been incredibly fulfilling, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to lead the department in a sport that has been a central part of my life.

“Working with a team as dedicated and talented as ours has been an honour, and I take pride in what we have achieved together during my time over the last three years; it has been some of the most rewarding times of my career. The highlight for me has undoubtedly been the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023™, which galvanised and inspired our nation to realise the potential of football in Australia,” Magill expressed.

Magill’s departure is a significant moment for Football Australia, and his legacy will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of working with him. His passion for the game and dedication to excellence have left an indelible mark on the organisation.

In his new role at The FA, Magill will bring his wealth of experience and expertise to the global stage, further showcasing the calibre of talent developed within Australian football. This appointment is a major milestone, highlighting the international recognition of Nathan’s contributions to the sport.

Football Australia CEO, James Johnson, praised Magill’s contributions, saying: “Nathan (Magill) has been a cornerstone of our refereeing department, bringing passion, dedication, and a wealth of knowledge to the role. His efforts have significantly enhanced the standards of officiating in Australia, and his positive impact will be felt for years to come. We are grateful for his service and wish him all the best in his future endeavours, Johnson concluded.

Magill’s commitment to ensuring a smooth transition is commendable. He expressed his readiness to assist in the leadership changeover, ensuring that the department continues to thrive. “I am committed to assisting Football Australia to ensure that the leadership changeover is seamless, and that the department and the match officials continue to thrive through this transitional period,” Magill added.

Football Australia will commence the recruitment process for a Head of Referees as soon as possible.