With the aim of producing more world-class match officials, participants undergo a structured programme focused on practical, theoretical, classroom sessions, technical education and fitness. They are also educated on the latest amendments to the Laws of the Game.

It was a successful year in 2019 with Batch 2017 completing five modules of the Intermediate Level, while Batch 2018 underwent the full Introductory Level and kicked off the first module of the Intermediate Level from December 8 to 12, 2019.

The two-day event, the biggest-ever held, saw the participation of 65 referee assessors and 304 referees and assistant referees, was aimed at providing the Asian refereeing community with an overview of the season, studying the patterns to build up on the strengths and target areas for improvement as well as debating the latest trends.

Ahead of the event, eight referees and assistant referees were presented the AFC Referees Memento Award for their outstanding service in raising the refereeing standards in Asia.

The opening ceremony honoured eight referees and assistant referees who were presented the AFC Referees Memento Award. The officials were recognised for their outstanding service in raising the refereeing standards in Asia.

Kari Seitz, Women’s World Cup project leader for FIFA, shares her insights on the role of women referees in an exclusive interview with the-AFC.com.

AFC Elite referee Edita Mirabidova, AFC Academy assistant Educator Widiya Habibah Shamsuri and AFC Referees Department Women’s Manager Pannipar Kamnueng share their insights on the challenges and what it takes to be a top female referee.

A total of 39 referee directors from across the Continent participated in the bi-annual event aimed at providing the Member Associations' (MAs) Referees Departments with support and guidance to professionalise refereeing administration and education programmes at the MA level. 

AFC Referees Committee Deputy Chairperson Hany Taleb B S Al-Raeesi, who gave the closing remarks, said: “I believe we have gained some useful insights during this workshop and I know every one of you is fully committed to ensuring the success of our officials.

An eight-time referee-of-the-year in the women's W-League, she was one of 11 officials named on the A-League's referees panel.

"Kate is without doubt one of the leading referees in the world at any level and we congratulate her on the appointment to the A-League referees panel," said Football Federation Australia President Mr. Chris Nikou.