Football Federation Australia has announced that local referee Nathan Shakespear will officiate the Foxtel Y-League 2020 Grand Final between Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium this afternoon (31 January 2020)
Nathan Shakespear will be joined by assistant referees Peter Jaworski (Vic) and Hugh White (NSW) as well as fourth official Hassan Jomaa (NSW).
Shakespear began his refereeing career six years ago in the nation’s capital, officiating at NPL level and at the Kanga Cup. This is just his third year in the Foxtel Y-League and second as a referee, having started out in the competition as an assistant referee.
“When I found out about the appointment it was a fantastic feeling and took a while for it all to sink in,” Shakespear said.
“I have been refereeing for the past six years, which began in my local league in Canberra. The opportunity to referee four times at the Kanga Cup definitely accelerated my development through the coaching and support I received.”
Shakespear has now set a new personal goal of refereeing Hyundai A-League matches.
“Having achieved this appointment, my next goal is to one day progress to the Hyundai A-League panel and then eventually obtain my FIFA Referees Badge,” he said.
“I am really looking forward to this afternoon’s match alongside Peter, Hugh and Hassan.”
FFA Head of Leagues Greg O’Rourke congratulated all the match officials on their appointment to the Foxtel Y-League 2020 Grand Final.
“The Foxtel Y-League is not only a proving ground for young players but also young referees alike,” O’Rourke said.
“We extend our congratulations to Nathan along with Peter, Hugh and Hassan in regards to their respective appointments to the Foxtel Y-League 2020 Grand Final.
“Many of our Hyundai A-League match officials have progressed through the Foxtel Y-League as part of their pathway and we hope to see these four progress to their ranks in the future.”
Foxtel Y-League 2020 Grand Final | Friday, 31 January 2020
Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory
Venue: Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah
Kick-Off: 4:30pm (AEDT)
Referee: Nathan Shakespear. Assistant Referee 1: Peter Jaworski. Assistant Referee 2: Hugh White. Fourth Official: Hassan Jomaa.
TV Broadcast: Live coverage on FOX SPORTS 505 from 4:25pm (AEDT), Kayo Sports and MyFootball Live App,