According to the official website of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), Esmail Safiri, Acting Head of the Referees Committee, announced that the intensive mid-season knowledge enhancement course for Premier League referees and assistant referees will be held from January 5 to January 8 in Kerman, hosted by the Kerman Province Football Board.

Safiri stated that a total of 111 Premier League referees and assistant referees will take part in the course. Participants will first undergo physical fitness tests before attending theoretical sessions and performance review classes focused on the first half of the Premier League season.

He also noted that FFIRI President Mehdi Taj will attend the opening ceremony of the course and address the referees, sharing key remarks and guidance. Safiri emphasized that Taj’s presence is particularly significant given his comprehensive understanding of refereeing matters and his special attention to this area.

According to Safiri, the course will include detailed analysis of key refereeing incidents from the first half of the Premier League season, led by the Head of the Referees Committee, the Head of the Referees Department and the Head of the Referees Education Department. Coordination on the use of VAR, updates on the latest Laws of the Game, football-related considerations, and the application of FIFA and AFC guidelines will also be covered.

Safiri concluded by noting that all Premier League referees and assistant referees will attend the course, with the exception of Payam Heydari and his two assistant referees, who are currently officiating matches at the AFC U-23 Asian Cup.