AFC approves referee preparation program for 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia
The AFC Referees Committee has approved the preparation program for officials at the 2027 Asian Cup, to be hosted by Saudi Arabia with 24 teams.
Key Takeaways
AIThe Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Referees Committee today approved the preparation program for match officials at the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, which will be hosted by Saudi Arabia from January 7 to February 5, with 24 national teams participating.
The decision was made during the committee’s fourth meeting, chaired by Qatari official Hani Taleb Ballan, where the main stages for selecting and preparing referees for the 19th edition of the continental tournament were outlined.
The first stage will begin with the announcement of the selected referees’ list in September. Selection will be based on strict criteria, including ongoing assessment of performance and standards from 2023 to 2026, as well as physical fitness, medical checks, and psychological readiness, to determine suitability for roles as referees, assistant referees, or video match officials.
Additionally, the committee confirmed that a seminar for Asian Cup referees will be held in November, followed by a preparatory course for officials during the week leading up to the tournament’s opening match.