Doha: The West Asia Elite Referees Seminar commenced on Monday and is set to continue until July 25, with the participation of 85 elite referees and video assistant referees. This seminar is part of the ongoing collaboration between the Qatar Football Association (QFA) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

According to Qatar News Agency, the seminar is an integral part of the AFC's annual program aimed at enhancing the capabilities of referees, raising the level of officiating in the West Asia region, and preparing referees technically for future AFC tournaments and events. The seminar focuses on improving the competence of elite referees in the region, discussing updates to FIFA's refereeing laws, and analyzing cases from various continental tournaments to promote continuous development through effective discussion sessions.

The seminar also seeks to unify refereeing concepts and decisions, ensuring a clear understanding of the laws' interpretations. It aims to enhance the technical, physical, and mental performance of referees, gearing them up for upcoming events. Hany Ballan, Chairperson of the Referees Committees of QFA and AFC, emphasized the seminar's significance in boosting skills and bridging theory with practical application. He urged referees to maintain the reputation of Asian officiating by putting in maximum effort and preparing thoroughly for continental championships.

Ballan highlighted that the AFC is also organizing a similar seminar in South Korea for East Asian referees, underscoring the AFC's dedication to improving the proficiency of referees across the continent. He praised the QFA's role in providing essential facilities and logistical support, noting that Qatar's advanced sports infrastructure has established it as a prominent sports and refereeing hub in Asia.