Doha, February 23 (QNA) - A FIFA seminar for elite referees shortlisted to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off on Monday and will run through February 27.
The seminar brings together 21 referees from three continents, including 10 from Asia, among them Qatari referees Abdulrahman Al Jassim and Salman Falahi, as well as 10 referees from Africa and one from Oceania.
Deputy Chair of FIFA's Referees Committee, Hani Taleb Ballan, said the seminar is the second in a series of preparatory workshops for officials nominated for the 2026 World Cup. The first was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for South American referees. While, the final seminar, for 16 European referees, will take place in Dubai in March, completing the gathering of all shortlisted officials.
He noted that the seminar represents a key stage in the evaluation process, featuring fitness tests, medical examinations and discussion sessions aimed at reinforcing modern football concepts.
Ballan emphasized that officiating at a World Cup is a major incentive for referees and requires sustained effort and continuous development. He added that selection is based on precise criteria and comprehensive assessment, with ongoing monitoring of referees' performances in various competitions.
For his part, Director of Refereeing at FIFA, Massimo Busacca, reaffirmed the governing body's commitment to supporting referees and preparing them to meet the demands of the 2026 tournament.
The seminar program includes a series of technical, physical and medical tests to assess readiness, alongside an intensive training schedule featuring video review and analysis of real match situations. Practical sessions are recorded and evaluated by international instructors to provide detailed technical feedback, ensuring referees reach peak preparedness ahead of the upcoming World Cup. (QNA)