The 2016 batch of referees underwent a final evaluation based on their match performance and technical knowledge, and will continue to be monitored for the next two years, enhancing their chances of potential advancement to the AFC Elite Referees Panel.

The graduation of the 2016 batch marks the closure of the AFC Project Future Referees programme, as the AFC Referee Academy - since its launch in 2017 - will be picking up the baton of leading the next development course of  young talented referees, as the first educational institution at the Confederation level in offering a continuous tailor-made programme for potential elite referees.

The 35 referees and two FIFA instructors from Saudi Arabia and Italy were welcomed by AFF Vice President Mohammad Yosuf Kargar, Din Mohammad Safi, Senior Advisor to the AFF President and Mohammad Taher Raufi, AFF Technical Director and other members of the AFF staff.

In his opening speech, Yosuf Kargar reaffirmed AFF's aim to continuously enhance the knowledge of referees in all provinces of the country by hosting such courses.

FIFA instructor Ali Altraifi expressed his gratitude to be selected as an instructor and said: "I am very happy to be in Afghanistan, and I hope to teach the latest topics related to refereeing."

The last module of the introductory level will serve to evaluate the referees’ knowledge gathered from previous courses, the remote activities and the active coaching from the Academy’s educators.

Group 1, comprising 19 participants will undergo their programme on September 8-12, while 18 participants from Group 2 will attend on September 12-18.

During the programme, the referees will demonstrate their skills in the various Laws of the Game quizzes, English language and match incidents tests, as well as additional technical and fitness assessments.

Centred around the theme of ‘Be the Elite!’, the referees are on track to joining the list of AFC Elite Referees, where if selected, they will be eligible to officiate at the most prestigious competitions at the Continental and international stages.

Throughout the four-day course, the football and futsal referees were evaluated on their technical knowledge and physical condition to officiate in high level matches through various assessments. 

From a theoretical approach, the referees were updated with the latest amendments to the Laws of the Game and were tested through individual and group interactive practical evaluations. It also included video tests of match incidents and report writing. 

The participants’ fitness level was assessed through the official FIFA Fitness Test, where the referees underwent practical sessions on the field of play at the Kuala Lumpur Football Association Stadium (football) and the Bandar Tun Razak Kompleks (futsal).

A total of 78 Instructors and Assessors are part of the four-day seminars which are divided into two-parts: The Instructors on Feb 5 followed by the Assessors from Feb 6-8, 2018.

AFC Director of Referees Shamsul Maidin, who opened the seminar on behalf of AFC General Secretary Dato’ Windsor John, said: "The AFC has set out its Vision and Mission to ensure that our officials, players and teams excel on the biggest stages across the world. Our collective mandate is to see more Asian referees officiate more high profile matches."

"As assessors, all of you play an important role in ensuring our match officials not only deal with the mounting pressures of modern day refereeing, but rise above the occasion.

"The world’s attention will be on our referees during the FIFA World Cup in Russia and Asia’s premier national team competition – the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 is just 11 months away. It is imperative therefore that you complement your expertise with the latest developments of the rules and best practices."

The award is given to match officials who have served at least five years on the AFC Elite Panel and officiated more than 30 matches.

AFC Director of Referees Shamsul Maidin, who closed the seminar on behalf of AFC General Secretary Dato’ Windsor John, said: “I am pleased to note that we will today honour our AFC match officials who have decided to retire. We thank you for the service that you have given the AFC and football in Asia. I hope that you will continue to be a part of the AFC family and pass on your experience to our aspiring match officials.”

The four referees and three assistant referees received their recognition plaques from General Farouk Bouzo, Advisor to the AFC Referees Committee.

Among them were Vietnam referee Vo Minh Tri, who has been a FIFA referee between (2001-2018) and AFC elite referee (2007-2017). 

Vo, who has never failed a fitness test said: "I have put in a lot of hard work and dedication and I'm very grateful for this award, I could not have done it without the support from the AFC and the Referees Department. 

"I also owe my gratitude to my mentors, Shamsul Maidin, Subkhiddin Mohd Salleh and the late Mohd Nazri Abdullah."

Australia's Allyson Clare Flynn, who has been involved in 47 matches as assistant referee said: "I'm very honored and privileged to represent Australia and AFC on the world stage and follow my passion, to referee at the heart - that was the greatest experience. 

"I would like to thank AFC for the opportunities that they gave me and to be the first women on an Asian Champions League match is something I will never forget. I hope to give back to the football community when the opportunity arises."

Uzbekistan assistant referee Mamur Saidkasimov could not attend the ceremony due to his new role as Referees Division Director for the Uzbekistan Football Federation.

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A total of 36 men and women referees attended the five-day sessions, divided in two groups, with the first group kicking-off from 10 to 14 March and the second from 16 to 20 March.

Following the programme, the Academy referees were furnished with in-depth knowledge of the Laws of the Game by the technical experts.

Key areas of physical preparation such as training plans, fitness monitoring and nutrition were delivered by the fitness educators.