16 Jan Female to referee A-League game in historic first

An A-League first will take place when Melbourne City host Newcastle Jets at AAMI Park on Saturday.

Kate Jacewicz will become the first female to referee an A-League match after being the first woman to be selected on the A-League Referees Panel in 2018.

The 34-year-old officiated at last year's FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, has taken charge of nine W-League Grand Finals and is an eight-time W-League Referee of the Year recipient.

She was also named the ASEAN Football Federation Women’s Referee of the Year in 2019.

“Kate is one of the world’s finest referees and thoroughly deserves this award,” FFA Chairman Chris Nikou said of Jacewicz.

“Whatever the game, whatever the level, she is a model of consistency and class.

“Her work on the pitch is a reminder to us all just how vital referees are to the lifeblood and wellbeing of our game.”

Gold Coast raised, Jacewicz refereed her first match as a 13-year-old.