Taking charge of the historic encounter will be Alireza Faghani, one of Asia’s most experienced referees, having officiated at two FIFA World Cups, three AFC Asian Cups, as well as other prestigious competitions such as the Olympic Games, FIFA Confederations Cup, and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

The AFC Referee of the Year in 2016 and 2018, Faghani will be making his third appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup and will be joined by fellow Australians Anton Shchetinin and Ashley Beecham.

Schetinin, who shared the stage with Faghani recently at the AFC Champions League Elite™ Quarter-finals between Kawasaki Frontale and Al Sadd SC, will shoulder the responsibilities of first assistant referee.

Bringing years of experience at the highest level, Schetnin officiated at the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021 Final between Chelsea and Palmeiras and received the AFC Referees Special Award at the AFC Annual Awards 2022 along with Ashley Beecham and Chris Beath. He also blew the whistle at the FIFA World Cup 2022, the 2019 and 2023 editions of the AFC Asian Cup™.

Beecham, who was also honoured with the award, will complete the trio from Down Under in the highly anticipated opener.

The 37-year-old, appointed as the second assistant referee, was also part of the officiating team at the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021 Final alongside Schetnin, and boasts a resume that includes the FIFA World Cup, AFC Asian Cup™, and the AFC Champions League™.

Additionally, Sunday’s clash between SE Palmeiras and FC Porto will see the United Arab Emirates’ Omar Al Ali take on the role of fourth official.