Doha, July 30 (QNA) - The annual Elite Referees Training Camp of the Qatar Football Association (QFA) will kick off on Thursday, until Aug. 11.

A total of 66 referees, assistant referees, and Video Assistant Referees (VAR) officials are taking part in the camp, which intends to prepare match officials both technically and physically ahead of the 2025-2026 season of the Doha Bank-sponsored QNB Stars League, as well as other first and second division competitions organized by the QFA and Qatar Stars League.

The event features fitness drills, practical exercises, and analytical sessions, including lectures on the latest amendments to the laws of the game, as well as workshops on VAR protocols, overseen by the QFA's Referees Committee.

The camp will feature a host of technical lecturers, fitness instructors, and referee assessors, in addition to the medical, technical, and administrative staff of the Refereeing Department.

Only referees who made the cut by passing the fitness tests, a key prerequisite, were eligible to participate in the camp. The tests were held at the air-conditioned Aspire pitches, which are dedicated to measuring physical performance, where referees underwent enhanced and technologically advanced assessments.

The camp program will include a final evaluation covering the technical, physical, and medical aspects of the referees, with the aim of placing them in the best possible condition ahead of the new season, while considering developmental observations that should be built upon in the upcoming season.

Overall, the program includes the review and analysis of video clips involving incidents from real matches, including games from the past season, as well as participation in practical training sessions with players.

Throughout this event, referees will be divided into groups according to the pre-planned schedule to ensure maximum benefit. Fitness training will take place at Qatar University pitches, and practical sessions will be held at Al Duhail Club stadium.

Daily lectures will begin on Friday, with technical and legal sessions scheduled in the morning, while practical and fitness training will be held in the evening.

The new 2025-2026 football season will kick off on Aug. 14 with the first round of matches in the Doha Bank Stars League. (QNA)