Football: Dreams of Fifa glory - as a ref

Matt Stoneman has an eye on refereeing at Fifa international level. Photo/Stuart Munro

Wanganui whistleblower Matt Stoneman has an eye on the big time.

The 25-year-old football referee is aiming at Fifa level after 12 years on the paddock, including seven years in Central League and a season controlling national league matches with many of the franchise teams, although he has yet to rule on Wellington Phoenix fixtures.

Stoneman came into the game almost by default after his Athletic junior coach Ian Porteous called for volunteers to allow him more time to focus on his main job with the young side.

"I played for the Athletic juniors and was a Wanganui rep, but when Ian asked for someone to referee I put my hand up and it's taken off from there," Stoneman said.

Apart from six weeks playing for his old club last season, Stoneman has followed his passion for the whistle, not that he's a control freak.

"I might have had a reputation as a strict ref in my younger days, but I think I've grown up and matured a bit these days," Stoneman said.

While he has taken this summer season off, Stoneman is itching to get back on the field and clock up more game time in a bid to progress top higher levels.

"I have a young family and needed to spend more time with them, but refereeing is a passion, not a hobby, and I'm looking forward to getting back into it. Progressing to a higher level comes down to quality game time. The plan is to return to Central League duties and then back up to national level for two or three years. Hopefully that will be enough to get me into Fifa international games," Stoneman said.

Contrary to perception top-level whistleblowing is not a full-time job and Stoneman spends his working life as a hose doctor through his Wanganui Enzed franchise.

Fitness does not appear to be an issue with Stoneman and more importantly he rates a level head and a sense of humour the main attributes of a top referee. "That's apart from a good knowledge of the rules," he quipped.