DOHA: The Qatar Football Association (QFA) is moving in the right
direction with regards to developing the sport in general and
improving standards of referees in particular, a top official said on
Thursday.

Neji Jouni, Executive Director of the Referees Committees, was
delivering the opening speech at a referees workshop.

He said: “The QFA is moving in the right direction. The development
programs in general are benefiting those keen to take the sport
forward. The support of QFA President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin
Ahmed Al Thani has been tremendous over the last few years.”

He added: “There is also wholehearted backing from Hani Ballan, the
QSL Chairman. I can assure you that the Qatari referees have done
really well in the last few years. Their overall standards have

improved significantly.”

Jouni said QFA is keen to take the game forward and enhance Qatar’s
standing in Asian football.

“We have witnessed significant success on all fronts,” he said.

“We should make the most of the opportunities we get. Making mistakes
is not an issue. We must learn from our mistakes and improve all the
time,” he told the participants attending the lecture.

“I think there is huge expectation when we see that Qatar will host
the 2022 FIFA World Cup. There is competent workforce learning new
things everyday,” he said.

“We must continue to back young Qataris eager to learn about being a
referee,” he said.