News ID: 397

Date: 22 July 2025 - 16:11

Head of Referees Committee:

"Referee Education Is a Priority – New Officials to Join the Officiating System"

Esmail Safiri, acting head of the Referees Committee, emphasized the importance of intensive referee training programs ahead of the new season of Iran’s domestic football leagues.

“Referee training is being pursued intensively. We are currently holding VAR training courses for 32 referees with the goal of integrating them into the top-tier officiating system,” Safiri stated.

According to Safiri, the group participating in these training sessions includes two male and two female assistant referees, with the remainder being main referees preparing for officiating duties in the country’s major leagues.

He also addressed the preparation of Iran’s international referees:

“Our FIFA-listed referees will participate in AFC’s pre-season programs to ensure they are fully ready for upcoming international assignments. For our national referees, we are following a similar path domestically to ensure their continuous development and up-to-date knowledge.”

Safiri concluded by underlining the committee's commitment to quality:

“Enhancing referee knowledge and physical preparedness is a top priority as we approach the 25th season of the Persian Gulf Pro League. Our goal is to ensure higher-quality officiating across all competitions.”