FIFA World Cup 2026 spotlight: Alireza Faghani – AFC Referee

Mon, 25 May, 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026 spotlight: Alireza Faghani – AFC Referee

Kuala Lumpur: A total of 25 match officials are set to represent the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Ahead of their campaign on the world’s grandest stage, the-AFC.com caught up with the officials who will be blowing the whistle in the 2026 edition of the global showpiece.

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AFC-UEFA partnership marks new era in referee development

Thu, 30 Apr, 2026

AFC-UEFA partnership marks new era in referee development

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s pursuit of nurturing elite refereeing talent has reached a significant milestone with the appointment of Asian officials to the upcoming UEFA Women’s U17 Championship and UEFA U17 Championship.

These appointments follow the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two confederations, aimed at strengthening the global refereeing landscape through technical cooperation, exchange programmes, and long-term development initiatives.

AFC Referee Academy advances development with latest on-site modules

Tue, 28 Apr, 2026

AFC Referee Academy advances development with latest on-site modules

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s concerted efforts to nurture elite refereeing talent were once again underlined as the acclaimed AFC Referee Academy conducted onsite modules for Batches 6 and 7, while the AFC Futsal Referee Academy held its fourth introductory module.

The activities, which spanned three weeks, began with Intermediate Module 3 for Batch 6, held from April 6 to 10, during which 42 participants underwent intensive physical training and a maximum strength assessment using the 1 Repetition Maximum Barbell Back Squat and Deadlift, Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull, along with a range of theoretical sessions.

Match officials confirmed for #ACLElite Final 2025/26

Fri, 24 Apr, 2026

Match officials confirmed for #ACLElite Final 2025/26

Jeddah: Ilgiz Tantashev will be the man in the middle on Saturday evening when Al Ahli Saudi FC and FC Machida Zelvia meet in the AFC Champions League Elite (ACL Elite) 2025/26™ Final at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.

This will be the second time that the Uzbek referee has been tasked to oversee the finale of the Continent’s elite men’s club tournament, having taken charge of the second leg between Al Ain FC and Yokohama F. Marinos in the 2023/24 edition. It will be his eighth match assignment of this edition, having refereed one Quarter-final, one Round of 16 and five League Stage fixtures.

AFC Referee Academy graduate to referee #U20WAC Final

Fri, 17 Apr, 2026

AFC Referee Academy graduate to referee #U20WAC Final

Pathum Thani: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has appointed China PR’s Mu Mingxin to take charge of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ Final on Saturday.

The Final promises to be an enticing showdown, with DPR Korea aiming to defend their title and secure a third continental crown, while Japan will be seeking to avenge their defeat in the 2024 edition and claim a record-extending seventh title.

AFC Referee Academy Batch 5 concludes final onsite module

Thu, 26 Feb, 2026

AFC Referee Academy Batch 5 concludes final onsite module

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of elite match officials took a significant step forward as Batch 5 of the acclaimed AFC Referee Academy concluded its final onsite module on Friday.

Held from February 9 to 13, Advanced Module 4 saw participants gather for the final time to further hone their skills in their pursuit of excellence before graduating later this year.