Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Doha: West Asian Referee Fitness Instructors recently concluded their FIFA course and have been advised to help keep their referees in top fitness form as it is a 'passport' to match officiating appointments.
Eleven participants from 12 countries took part in the FIFA Futuro III Referee Fitness Instructor Course in the yearly programme by the world’s football governing body held in the Qatari capital city.
The course was closed by Hani Ballan, Vice President of the Qatar Stars League, Vice Chairman of the Qatar FA Referees Committee and member of the AFC Referees Committee.
Ballan said: “As has been reiterated by FIFA Refereeing Development Senior Manager Fernando Tresaco-Gracia, referees’ fitness is not only important, but it is a must. It’s a passport for the referees to be appointed to top-level matches, in their own top domestic leagues or in global competitions.
“The instructors must also share this information and knowledge with the referees in their country and also put what they have learned to good use."
AFC representative Abdul Razak Anuar added his comments: “On top of putting your knowledge to good use, you must also work together with your Heads of Referees in your associations for the benefit of the referees.”
FIFA/AFC Referee Fitness Instructor Toshio Utsumi, who delivered the course, said: “I am happy with the participants’ dedication to improving themselves in knowledge and skills as instructors and hopefully they will achieve more.
“Instructors should always be in contact with us for updates in new knowledge and practices in FIFA.”