Doha: Qatari international referees Abdulrahman Al Jassim and Salman Falahi have successfully concluded their participation in a FIFA referees course held in Dubai, UAE. The intensive five-day program aimed to prepare officials for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2025 Club World Cup, bringing together 32 referees from Asia, Africa, and Oceania.

The course covered a wide range of topics, including in-depth lectures on game laws, match management, and arbitration cases. Participants also engaged in technical and physical training sessions, as well as practical applications. Referees officiated two daily matches at the UAE Football Association grounds, simulating real-game scenarios to enhance their decision-making and on-field performance.

The event was attended by prominent figures in football officiating, such as Hani Taleb Ballan, Vice Chairman of FIFA’s Referees Committee, Pierluigi Collina, Chairman of FIFA’s Referees Committee, and Massimo Busacca, Director of FIFA’s Refereeing Department. Elite experts provided valuable insights into technical, medical, and fitness aspects, alongside the latest advancements in technological support for refereeing.

Hani Taleb Ballan commended the referees’ performance during the course, highlighting FIFA’s dedication to raising officiating standards. “These courses are crucial in preparing referees for major tournaments and ensuring they are fully equipped to deliver top-tier performances,” he said, expressing his satisfaction with the program’s outcomes.

The training underscores FIFA’s ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of refereeing ahead of global football events, with Qatari referees playing a key role in these preparations.