Australian referee Jarred Gillett, a five-times Aussie ref of the year, takes charge of Cardiff City’s Championship home match against Huddersfield Town this evening.
He is the first foreign referee to officiate in the English Football League.
Gillett, 32, has been on the Australian A-League rota since 2010 and joined the Fifa referees’ list in 2013.
He joined Liverpool John Moores University as a research scientist, specialising in children with cerebral palsy, in April and was contacted by referees’ boss Mike Riley.
They agreed Gillett could join the Select group two list, comprising officials who takes charge of Championship and domestic cup games, from next term.
Gillett is also be part of the new VAR team in the Premier League having worked on technology teams in Australia.
“Jarred is hugely experienced and demonstrates a number of key attributes that we expect from our referees,” said Riley.
“He has strong and highly effective player management skills, a strong understanding of the game, and is well respected by the players and coaches in Australia.”
Bluebirds manager Neil Warnock made four team changes from the poor display against Reading when Huddersfield Town visited.
Lee Tomlin was called up to add creative spark, while Lee Peltier, Gavin Whyte and Josh Murphy were also included.
Peltier played at right-back with Leandro Bacuna returning to his more accustomed role in midfield.
Cameron Paterson and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing were ruled out by injuries.
Cardiff City v Huddersfield Town teams:
Cardiff City: Alex Smithies, Lee Peltier, Sean Morrison (capt), Aden Flint, Joe Bennett, Leandro Bacuna, Joe Ralls, Gavin Whyte, Lee Tomlin, Josh Murphy, Robert Glatzel. Subs: Will Vaulks, Isaac Vassell, Curtis Nelson, Joe Day (gk), Omar Bogle, Ciaron Brown, Junior Hoilett.
Huddersfield Town: Kamil Grabara, Florent Hadergjonaj, Tommy Elphick, Chris Schindler, Terrance Kongolo, Trevor Chalobah, Jonathan Hogg, Rajiv van La Parra, Isaac Mbenza, Alex Pritchard, Karlan Grant. Subs: Juninho Bacuna, Elias Kachunga, Adama Diakhaby, Fraizer Campbell, Ciaron Brown, Ryan Schofield (gk), Lewis O’Brien
Referee: Jarred Gillett