Referee Seminar Kicks Off Ahead of 2025–26 Season

Key Highlights

Fitness & Medical Tests

• Referees underwent cardiovascular medical exams and FIFA-standard fitness tests at Dastgerdi Stadium.
• 12 referees and 13 VAR assistants failed the fitness tests and will not officiate in early-season matches.

Training Sessions

• Referees participated in practical workshops and technical classes.
• Tamer Douri, a FIFA instructor, led sessions on global refereeing standards.

Performance Review

• Footage from last season was analyzed to highlight strengths and areas for improvement.
• Weekly performance evaluations will be held during the season.

Policy Updates

• Referees are not allowed to give interviews; only the Referees Committee may speak publicly.
• Match supervisors will now be independent from event organizers to ensure transparency.
• Referees who fail mid-season evaluations or average below 8/10 will be demoted.

Remarks from Officials

Mehdi Taj (FFIRI President)

• Emphasized non-interference in referee selection.
• Announced new rules to combat racist chants:

  “Referees may end a match immediately with three whistles if racist slogans are heard. We’ve promised FIFA to enforce this.”

Esmail Safiri (Acting Head of Referees Committee)

• Stressed the importance of merit-based appointments and VAR integration.
• Confirmed that VAR was used in 167 matches last season—far exceeding FIFA’s expectations.

Moudoud Boniyadi-Far (Elite Referee Representative)

• Praised improvements in logistics and referee dignity.
• Requested a significant increase in referee compensation, though not equal to player salaries.

Honoring Veterans

• Bahram Mehrpeyma and Mahmoud Rafiei were honored as veteran referees.