The JFA Referees Committee has launched a new project “Development Group” from 2026. Its goal is to continuously produce higher-quality J1 referees by focusing on identifying talents and strengthening young referees.

To lead this group, the Japan Football Association has signed a contract with Mike Riley as Referee Development Director starting from January 1, 2026. Riley will oversee all operations under the Development Group.

About Development Group

Purpose/Role: A special group to identify, select, and develop young referees with the aim of continually producing high-quality J1 referees. The group consists of two projects - ERDP (Elite Referee Development Panel) and TID (Talent Identification)
Launched: January 2026
Director: Mike Riley (Profile)

About the Contract with Mike Riley

Contract Details: Referee Development Director
Oversees the Development Group, which was launched to identify, select, and develop young referees.
Contract Period: January 1 - December 31, 2026
Profile: See attached sheet

Mike Riley's Comment

I am delighted and honored to be able to work with Kenji-san and his team on this exciting and innovative project. Japan has a great history of producing elite referees. As the game continues to move forward, our plan is to build on those foundations and to continue providing more high-quality referees who will contribute to the continued success of the J League.

Comment from Kenji Ogiya, Chairperson of the JFA Referees Committee

It is my great pleasure to announce that we have signed a contract with Mr. Mike Riley, former Managing Director of PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited).
We hope that he will bring his extensive knowledge and outstanding leadership skills, cultivated in England, to Japan, where he will focus on identifying and developing young talent as head of the Development Group, and contribute to the further development of football in Japan as a whole.
We are extremely pleased with this contract and are excited to be working with Mr. Riley.