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The J.League has confirmed the implementation details for the 2026/27 season of its Match Quality Assessor (MQA) programme, which will expand on the trial introduced during the 2026 Special Season. The programme, in which former professional players assess the quality of matches, aims to help deliver football that meets world-class standards.
■ Operations for the 2026/27 Season
1. Main Roles of MQAs
In line with the J.League Football Guidelines, which set out the league's football philosophy and direction, MQAs will play the following key roles in helping to deliver world-class football, football that captivates spectators, and pitches that reflect the J.League's identity.
(1) Continuously monitor how the J.League Football Guidelines are reflected in matches, assess match quality, and encourage a shared understanding among players, referees, clubs and the league of initiatives to improve match quality.
(2) Provide feedback to referees across J1, J2 and J3 from the unique perspective of former professional players through post-match discussions and referee education sessions. This will help deepen referees' understanding of players' thinking, tactical context, intentions behind decisions on the pitch, match management and communication with players.
2. Key Changes from the 2026 Special Season
*2026 Special Season → 2026/27 Season
(1) Number of MQAs
24 → 26
(2) Competitions Covered
J1 → J1 to J3
(3) Matches Assigned
69 → Approximately 200
3. 2026/27 Match Quality Assessors (26)
* The eight individuals marked with an asterisk (*) have been newly appointed as MQAs for the 2026/27 season.
* Eighteen will continue from the 2026 Special Season, while six have stepped down following the conclusion of the trial.
■ Reference
1. About the Match Quality Assessor (MQA) Programme
The Match Quality Assessor (MQA) programme was introduced during the 2026 Special Season. Its primary objective is for MQAs, who are former J.League players, to assess match quality from a player's perspective and help referees better understand players' intentions through post-match discussions.
For assigned matches, MQAs observe the match at the stadium before exchanging views with the referees on decisions made during the game. Through these discussions, referees gain a better understanding of players' thinking, tactical context, intentions behind decisions on the pitch, match management, communication with players and objective third-party perspectives, helping to further improve the quality of refereeing.
2. Initiatives to Improve the Quality of Refereeing in the 2026 Special Season and the 2026/27 Season
(Announced on 27 January 2026)
https://aboutj.jleague.jp/corporate/pressrelease/article/15836
