JFA prepares for referee transition: Mike Riley and the road to World Cup 2034

On September 9, the Japan Football Association held its regular referee briefing. The focus was not on controversial incidents from the latest match round, but on ERDP, a programme designed for the next generation of Japanese referees. Mike Riley, a former Premier League referee now serving as JFA’s head of referee development, stressed that football is always evolving and referees are no exception. He pointed out that ten current professional referees will pass the age of 45 within five years, making youth development an urgent task. ERDP began with only three referees in January. That number has now grown to seven, with a target of fifteen by the end of the season. The three-year curriculum assigns a dedicated mentor to each young referee, includes discussions with former players, and offers exposure to different football cultures abroad. Riley says the system worked well in England and could prepare Japanese referees for important matches at the 2034 World Cup, including knockout-stage games in the future. At the 2026 World Cup in North America, Yusuke Araki and Jun Mihara were selected but did not officiate. Riley explained that Araki brought back vital feedback from FIFA. Two core elements stood out: presence on the pitch and the ability to judge situations according to the flow of the match. Araki is now taking part in a referee exchange programme in Belgium. Riley believes that international experience is the best way to build these skills, and ERDP will play a critical role in the future of Japanese football.