Doha: A total of 81 match officials gathered at the Aspire Academy for the opening of the official workshop for the FIFA U-17 World Cup – Qatar 2025. The ceremony, held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, emphasized the global scope of the tournament and FIFA's dedication to refining the world's refereeing corps.

The event was attended by key figures from FIFA's refereeing hierarchy. Hani Taleb Ballan, FIFA Vice-President of the Referees Committee and Chairman of the Referees Committee for both the Asian and Qatar Football Associations, presided. He was joined by Massimo Busacca, FIFA's Director of Refereeing, while Pierluigi Collina, Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, joined the proceedings via video link.

The workshop's comprehensive program was officially launched, featuring a rigorous schedule designed to ensure peak performance. This includes practical and technical training, video analysis of key moments from previous tournaments, and on-field drills with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. The officials will also undergo fitness tests, mental readiness assessments, and workshops focused on managing matches and psychological pressure.