Doha: Referees Mohammed Ahmed Al-Sharif and Abdulaziz Mousa are among the participants in the fourth preparatory module (batch six) of the AFC Referees Academy, held from October 13 to 17 at the Asian Football Confederation’s headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

The week-long program combines classroom learning with on-field practice, offering referees the opportunity to enhance their understanding of match management under the guidance of AFC’s top referee instructors.

Participants are taking part in intensive decision-making workshops, fitness drills, and activities designed to boost their speed, agility, and endurance — all essential qualities for officiating at the highest level of Asian football.

At the end of the program, each referee will be evaluated on technical refereeing skills, English language proficiency, and overall professional conduct to assess their readiness for AFC elite status.

Since its establishment in 2017, the AFC Referees Academy has played a key role in developing world-class referees and supporting the growth of football officiating across Asia.

Meanwhile, referee assessor Abdullah Al-Baloushi will serve as the Referee Assessor for the Hong Kong vs. Bangladesh match on October 14, part of the final round of qualifiers for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 in Saudi Arabia.