Born in Darwin, Northern Territory, Farina spent part of his childhood in Papua New Guinea and grew up in Cairns, north Queensland and went to school at St Augustine's College.

[2] He won a prestigious position and scholarship at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in 1982 and played in the National Soccer League for the Canberra Arrows the following year.

When he was 16, one of his school teachers suggested he try out for Mareeba United of the semi-professional Queensland State League, with whom he played four games towards the end of the season, which was his first paid soccer experience.

With the demise of Sydney City[3] a few weeks into the 1987 season when owner Frank Lowy pulled out of funding the team, Farina moved to Marconi Fairfield for 1987 and 1988.

He left the Strikers, and joined Marconi as a player-coach for a final season, with coaching being dominant, Farina only made two appearances for the Stallions, without scoring.

Australia impressed at the 2001 Confederations Cup, qualifying as runners up from Group A on goal difference thanks largely to a memorable 1–0 win over reigning world champions France,[citation needed] before eventually triumphing by the same scoreline in the third place playoff vs Brazil.

[4] In 2001, Australia began its quest to qualify for the World Cup for a second time, and Farina led the team to huge victories over Tonga (22–0), and a record-breaking 31–0 win against American Samoa, Archie Thompson breaking the record for most goals in a single international with 13.

Farina became the subject of intense media pressure, as his team were criticised for not showing tactical awareness and cohesion expected of players of their quality.

In 2005, after an unconvincing 2–1 win over Iraq during a friendly, Farina was involved in an incident with SBS reporter Andrew Orsatti in an informal post-match interview conducted in a corridor outside the dressing room.

He was replaced by the Dutchman Guus Hiddink, who led Australia to a successful 2006 World Cup qualification campaign, defeating Uruguay (penalties after a 1–1 aggregate).

After his departure from the national team Farina was employed as a newspaper columnist and often conducted interviews about Australian football on talkback radio stations.

He is credited for his support of young Australian footballers, having recruited Michael Zullo and Tahj Minniecon, who were catalysts for much of Queensland's success in the 2007–2008 season.

[9] Farina's spell in charge hasn't been without controversy, with his Sydney team noted for their inconsistency and criticised in some quarters for their unattractive style of play.

[10] Ongoing dissatisfaction at his management (along with the performance of the boardroom) from Sydney's core supporter group 'The Cove' culminated in protests with banners and chanting calling for his dismissal at their home game against Adelaide United on 8 February 2014.

This was followed by an unprecedented walkout in protest at the ejection of one of their core members for their involvement in the banner, contrary to media reports claiming it was pre-meditated,[11] and on 23 April 2014, Farina was sacked from Sydney FC.

Following his sacking from Sydney FC, Farina sported contract offers from clubs in New Zealand, however signed as the technical adviser for the Fiji U-20s in the lead up to the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

[19] In October 2009 Farina was interviewed by Monica Attard on ABC Radio's Sunday Profile where he discussed the drink driving charge and his dismissal and their effect on his family.