Doha: The preparatory course for referees selected to officiate at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 began Wednesday at Aspire Academy in Doha. The opening session was attended by Hani Talib Ballan, FIFA Referees Committee Vice-Chairman and head of refereeing for both the AFC and the Qatar Football Association, along with FIFA Head of Refereeing Massimo Busacca. FIFA Referees Committee Chairman Pierluigi Collina also addressed participants via video message.

According to Qatar News Agency, a total of 81 referees-including 27 referees and 54 assistant referees from 35 national associations-are taking part in the course. Qatar is represented by referee Mohammed Ahmed Al Shammari and assistant referees Khalid Khalaf and Faisal Eid Al Shammari. Ballan said the course provides an ideal environment for technical, physical, and psychological preparation, marking a key stage for referees to refine and demonstrate their skills. Busacca urged participants to maintain full focus throughout the tournament and to strive for the highest officiating standards.

The program includes on-field and technical training, video analysis sessions, practical exercises using VAR technology, fitness and mental readiness tests, and workshops on match management and handling pressure. The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 will feature the use of the Football Video Support system-implemented previously at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia and the U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic, as well as the U-20 Men’s World Cup in Chile earlier this year.