News ID: 517

Date: 09 August 2025 - 21:01

Referee Seminar Kicks Off Ahead of 2025–26 Season

Referee Seminar was held in Olympic Hotel, organized by the Referees Department. The event aimed to prepare referees for the upcoming season with updated training, regulations, and fitness evaluations.

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.