JFA holds referee briefing addressing youth abuse and VAR controversy

The Japan Football Association (JFA) conducted a referee briefing on October 21 to address critical issues facing officials. Kenji Ogitani, Chairman of the JFA Referee Committee, highlighted the harsh environment for youth referees, particularly those under 18. He reported that young officials, including female referees, frequently face verbal abuse and gender-based insults from benches and spectators. To combat this, the JFA plans to introduce yellow U-18 patches to help identify and protect young referees during matches.

The briefing also addressed a controversial VAR decision during a J1 match between Kashima Antlers and Gamba Osaka. A goal by Kashima's Minami Yoshida was overturned following an on-field review for a foul on the goalkeeper. JFA Referee Manager Ryuji Sato noted that discussions with officials centered on whether VAR should intervene in such subjective contact plays. Sato emphasized the importance of respecting on-field decisions and working with clubs to define the standards for contact and VAR intervention.