He is a veteran and one of the most experienced referees in the A-League, Strebre Delovski has announced his retirement from officiating the game.
Delovski’s career lasted 26 years and took charge of 140 A-League matches and was not short of controversy through out the journey.
The 40-year-old also officiated a number of AFC Asian Champions League matches and World Cup Qualifying games. Delovski said it was time to give younger referees a go, but admitted it was an enjoyable career.
“I feel the time is right to hang up the whistle and make way for other referees to fulfil their dreams,” Delovski said.
“I have loved every minute of this amazing journey and I will miss the comradery amongst the match officials as well as the buzz and atmosphere of walking out at the start of a match in a packed stadium.
“There have been many personal highlights but the three which stand out would have to be receiving my FIFA badge in 2009, refereeing the Hyundai A-League 2010 Grand Final and being voted as the referee of decade by the PFA in 2015.”
Delovski involvement in officiating will still continue as he was appointed as Referees Coach in the Illawarra region by Football South Coast.
Delovski will also be in charge of this Friday night’s Semi-Final between Adelaide United and Melbourne City. It may not be his last either, as he remains in contention for the Grand Final.
FFA Director of Referees Ben Wilson praised the 40-year-old for his services and wished him luck for bigger and better things in the future.
“Strebre has had a long and distinguished refereeing career in both the Hyundai A-League and on the international FIFA panel,” Wilson said.
“His good humour and friendly demeanour meant he was very well respected by his peers and the players.
“I wish Streb well in retirement and I look forward to his continued involvement as a referee coach.”
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
