Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Kuala Lumpur: AFC General Secretary Dato’ Alex Soosay has encouraged the continent’s top referees to achieve greater heights in this more challenging year in tandem with the rapid development of the Asian game that has attracted the attention of people from outside the region.
Dato’ Alex officially closed a five-day course for AFC Men’ Referees in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday that was aimed at preparing them for duty in this year that promises to be more exciting and challenging.
“This seminar has prepared you for an Asian game that is now going very fast,” he said. “The demand of the game is now very high and the game is developing very fast, so you, our referees, have an even higher responsibility to shoulder.
“Your MAs have also given you a chance to uphold the good image of Asia as Asian referees and you have the potential to be the 2014 World Cup referees. The door is not closed, it’s still open. We haven’t fixed the names, so you have the potential and I hope you’ll go all out for this chance.
“Towards this end, we’d like you to manage the matches with courage, determination and confidence. And let’s not forget fair play too and to respect all the teams and players. The AFC has belief and confidence in you and our world-level instructors have given you the best instructions. There was no such luxury and opportunity in the past like the one you have right now. This is the commitment of the AFC, the Referees Committee, the Referees Department and the instructors, to your development and excellence.”
Dato’ Alex also made special mention of the presence during the course of Asian refereeing stalwart General Farouk Bouzo of Syria, who was Chairman of the AFC Referees Committee for more than two decades.
“This year will be a challenging year but first let me take you down memory lane,” said Dato’ Alex. “With us now is our esteemed General Farouk Bouzo, our refereeing icon, who was my mentor, a true professional, whom AFC has brought back into the refereeing fold for his extensive knowledge and experience.
“He’s the father of Asian refereeing. In fact, many of you here were not born yet when he was refereeing in the 1978 World Cup in Argentina. FIFA also respects General Bouzo for his contribution. We’d like to thank you for your contribution and insights in developing our referees.”
Dato’ Alex also reminded the referees of their goals and passion in the game that will help them get ahead of the enhancement of the Asian game that has attracted the attention of people from outside the continent.
“Your role as referee is not as simple,” Dato’ Alex continued. “You are here to have an excellent career and to make great contributions, and refereeing is not just a field that you resort to after retiring from playing. It’s your passion.
“In general, we expect the best from you because you’re the cream of Asia and not just in Asia but also for FIFA, the world stage. It’s no longer that team versus this team. It’s ‘war’ now between teams. Even Europeans have now come to Asia, where clubs and teams have tremendously grown – from rags to riches.
“The Asian game has really improved, and so will you, our referees,” he concluded.