Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Rio de Janeiro: Iranian Alireza Faghani is set to make history by becoming the first Asian referee to officiate the final of a Men's Olympic Football Tournament when he takes charge of the Brazil versus Germany gold medal match on Saturday (local time).
Since becoming a FIFA International referee in 2011, Faghani (centre) has been entrusted with a host of high profile matches. He was named the fourth referee for the opening match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup between Brazil and Croatia. He was also tasked to officiate the 2014 AFC Champions League Final first leg match between Al-Hilal and Western Sydney Wanderers.
During the hugely successful Asian Cup 2015 Australia, Faghani was appointed to officiate the final match between Korea Republic and host nation Australia. Faghani also refereed the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup final, which saw Barcelona take on Argentina’s River Plate.
The 38-year-old Faghani will be joined by assistant referees and compatriots Reza Sokhandan and Mohammadreza Mansouri as well Ghanaian fourth official Joseph Lamptey.
Photo: FIFA/Getty Images