The move for the additional assistants in the country’s top men’s and women’s league follows a successful two-year trial in the Westfield FFA Cup, the national knock-out competition for Australian football teams.

It is claimed the presence of the additional officials, positioned behind the goals, provided greater assistance to referees and that numerous correct decisions were made in consultation with the assistants.

“FFA will introduce fifth and sixth officials to assist the existing match officials during the upcoming Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League 2016 Finals Series,” said Damien de Bohun, head of the Hyundai A-League.

“The technical standard and speed of play in the A-League goes up every season and this places additional demands on match officials.

“Referees continue to improve as well thanks to additional coaching and fitness programs but in the split-second available to make decisions in and around the penalty area the extra set of eyes is extremely valuable.”

The use of fifth and sixth officials for competitions was approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), who determine the laws of football, in 2012.

Their move came after trials had been carried out during major competitions, such as the UEFA Champions League, Europa League and the 2012 European Championships.

The FFA state that officials will be appointed from the Hyundai A-League referees panel, which consists of Chris Beath, Matthew Conger, Strebre Delovski, Shaun Evans, Adam Fielding, Jarred Gillett, Peter Green, Kris Griffith-Jones, Stephen Lucas, Alan Milliner and Ben Williams.

“FFA is constantly seeking improvements to enhance the A-League and is committed to giving the match officials as much assistance as possible to allow the referee to make correct decisions on the football field,” said de Bohun.

“FFA has also made a submission to FIFA on a trial of video replays to assist match officials.”

The English and Scottish Football Associations have also agreed to - in principle - trial technology in domestic cup competitions next season.

Decisions could be overturned regarding goals, sendings off, penalty kicks and any cases of mistaken identity.

It follows the IFAB making the recommendation for video technology to be trialled at football matches, with approval of protocols set be finalised before final approval is granted at their 130th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Cardiff, which is scheduled to take place from March 4 to 6.