Qatar's International referees Abdulrahman Al Jassim (left) and Salman Falahi pose for a photo.
Doha: International referees Abdulrahman Al Jassim and Salman Falahi of Qatar have wrapped up their participation in a FIFA referees course in Dubai, UAE.
The five-day program, designed to prepare officials for the 2026 World Cup and 2025 Club World Cup hosted 32 referees from Asia, Africa, and Oceania.
The course featured lectures on game laws, match management and arbitration cases, along with technical and physical training sessions. Referees also participated in practical applications, managing two daily matches at the UAE Football Association grounds to simulate real-game scenarios.
Prominent figures in football officiating, including Hani Taleb Ballan, Vice Chairman of FIFA’s Referees Committee, Italian Pierluigi Collina, Chairman of FIFA’s Referees Committee, and Swiss Massimo Busacca, Director of FIFA’s Refereeing Department, attended the course. Elite experts provided insights on technical, medical, and fitness aspects as well as technological support.
Hani Taleb Ballan praised the referees’ performance, emphasising FIFA’s commitment to elevating refereeing standards.
“These courses are essential in preparing referees for major tournaments and ensuring they are fully ready to deliver the best refereeing performances,” he said, expressing satisfaction with the course’s outcomes.
