Doha: International referees Abdulrahman Al-Jassim and Salman Al-Falahi have successfully completed their participation in the FIFA Referees’ Course, designed for officials shortlisted for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The five-day intensive program, organized by FIFA in Dubai, UAE, brought together 32 referees from across Asia, Africa, and Oceania to enhance their expertise and readiness for major international tournaments. The course featured the presence of several leading figures in world refereeing, including Hani Taleb Ballan, Chairman of the Qatar Football Association (QFA) Referees Committee and Vice Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee; Pierluigi Collina, Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee; and Massimo Busacca, FIFA’s Director of Refereeing. Additionally, a distinguished group of FIFA instructors and experts in technical analysis, medical fitness, physical conditioning, and technological support contributed to the training sessions. The program combined theoretical sessions focusing on the Laws of the Game, match management, and refereeing case studies, with rigorous technical and physical training. Participants underwent practical match simulations, officiating two games daily at the UAE Football Association’s stadiums, allowing for real-time decision-making under competitive conditions. Speaking to the media, Hani Taleb Ballan emphasized FIFA’s commitment to fostering continuous referee development, ensuring officials are fully prepared to handle the demands of the world’s biggest tournaments. He expressed his satisfaction with the course’s success and the referees’ performances, noting that such programs play a crucial role in elevating global refereeing standards and ensuring elite-level officiating on the grandest stage.