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.