FIFA role scored by Kiwi referee
Auckland Football referee Nick Waldron has scored his long-term goal of becoming a FIFA-level referee and now has the World Cup in his sights.
The Sandringham resident was one of three New Zealand referees to make it on the international list of match officials approved by FIFA for 2013.
Waldron will graduate from ASB Premiership duty and can now be considered for international fixtures.
The top-level official was previously on the assistant referee list in 2007 before deciding to focus on refereeing.
It has always been his game plan to try and referee at the highest level possible, he says.
‘‘It’s an honour and a very exciting achievement. Now that I have the badge I can’t wait to get back on the pitch with it. The next few years look exciting and my preparation may have to be adapted as different opportunities arise going forward.’’
Waldron balances his refereeing career with fulltime work commitments and will have another ball to juggle this year as a new father.
As a top-level official, he will need to maintain the same level of commitment as fellow FIFA referees around the world where it is their fulltime career.