Referees
Taking place simultaneously in the West and East regions, the five-day programme of the 15th edition was organised in collaboration with the Qatar Football Association (QFA) and Korea Football Association (KFA).
More than 150 match officials from across the Continent gathered in a bid to arm themselves with the latest tools and insights ahead of the upcoming season. In the West, 83 participants benefitted from high-level instruction and state-of-the-art facilities in Doha, which was attended by AFC Referees Committee Chairperson Hany Taleb BS Al Raeesi.
Meanwhile, in the East, the seminar extended an invitation to officials and instructors from the Oceania Football Confederation, reiterating the Confederation’s wider commitment to the beautiful game.
Among the key highlights were comprehensive updates on the latest amendments to the Laws of the Game, coupled with in-depth discussions on topics such as challenges, penalty-area incidents, handball, offside, tactical fouls and game management.
Additionally, participants engaged in holistic practical sessions, including Mobile Video Assistant Referee (MVAR) simulations, penalty area movement drills, and fitness assessments.
“Just as we have strengthened the AFC’s competitions, it is our collective duty, from elite referees to our esteemed instructors, to elevate our levels of professionalism,” said Chairperson Hany Taleb.
“Every decision must be carefully examined, and with technology playing a pivotal role in the modern game, there is virtually no margin for error.
“Our Asian match officials have been entrusted to manage some of the biggest matches in world football in the recent past and we must remain acutely aware that we are only as good as our last performance and continue to strive for excellence.”