Doha: A preparatory course for AFC U23 Championship Qatar 2016 match officials has kicked off in the capital city of Doha.
The referees and assistant referees will officiate 32 matches in the continent’s second largest national team competition from January 12 to 30.
“The teams, the officials and many from the AFC want to leave a positive legacy from this championship, therefore teamwork from the referees and assistant referees, instructors and administrators is very important to achieve this positive legacy,” said AFC Referees Committee Deputy Chairman Hani Ballan during the course’s opening ceremony.
“The referees and assistant referees can expect excellent support from the AFC from logistics to our top instructors’ guidance . AFC expects the referees to be excellent on the field, as good is not acceptable, and give their best performance and excellent leadership in managing the teams.
“We look forward to this and we believe you can do it. The AFC Referees Committee also has very much confidence in your ability to excel in this championship.”
The match officials will officiate 32 matches in the continent’s second largest national team competition where 16 nations will vie for honours and three spots available to fly the Asian flag at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Meanwhile, former FIFA World Cup referee, FIFA Referee Instructor and AFC Elite Referee Assessor Shamsul Maidin as the new AFC Director of Referees. The Singaporean started in his role on January 4, 2016.
Shamsul’s wealth of experience, not only in Asia but also globally, places him as a leading expert to maintain and enhance the high standards of refereeing in Asia.
Having risen through the ranks of the continent, Shamsul’s glittering career - both as a professional referee and an instructor - makes him a great addition and a valuable asset to the AFC and the Member Associations.
“I am humbled by this exciting opportunity and I am relishing the chance to deliver on the strong foundation and standards established by my predecessor. I am very passionate about the education and development of referees in Asia and together with the AFC Member Associations and stakeholders I am confident we can continue to raise the standard of Asian referees,” Shamsul said.
Shamsul, 49, who retired as a referee in 2007, enjoyed an illustrious career which saw him officiate the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup and 2006 FIFA World Cup. Other highlights include the 1996, 2000 and 2004 AFC Asian Cups, as well as the 2001 and 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship.
He was the only non-African referee to officiate at the 2006 African Cup of Nations.
The two-time AFC Referee of the Year takes over from Yoshimi Ogawa who steps down after almost ten years, moving back to Japan.
The AFC would like to thank Ogawa-san for his leadership and unwavering commitment towards strengthening the level of our officials in Asian football these past ten years.
The Peninsula
