EAFF NEWS/COLUMN

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Referee Academy’s unwavering efforts to produce referees of the highest standards reached a landmark milestone with as many as 15 officials being appointed to the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025.

Taking place from November 3 to 27, the competition will see, for the first time, a fully home-grown cast of referees featuring in a FIFA competition, further reiterating the AFC’s resolve to establish its position as a model Confederation.

Leading the Asian contingent will be referees Faisal Sulaiman Albalawi (Saudi Arabia), Mohammed Ahmed Al-Shammari (Qatar), Choi Hyunjai (Korea Republic), Hiroki Kasahara (Japan) and Rustam Lutfullin (Uzbekistan) – all alumni of Batch 2017 of the AFC Referee Academy. .....

🇸🇦 Faisal Sulaiman Albalawi
🇶🇦 Mohammed Ahmed Al-Shammari
🇰🇷 Choi Hyunjai
🇯🇵 Hiroki Kasahara
🇺🇿 Rustam Lutfullin

Alumni of Batch 2017 of the AFC Referee Academy set to feature at #U17WC in 🇶🇦 Qatar!

READ 📎 https://t.co/DBubKdL708 pic.twitter.com/2eu2ZjYXwD
— #WAC2026 (@afcasiancup) August 27, 2025

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AFC Referee Academy graduates ready to shine at FIFA U-17 World Cup

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AFC Referee Academy graduates ready to shine at FIFA U-17 World Cup

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