FIFA names Emirati referee instructor for 2026 World Cup finals

April 16, 2026 / 7:55 PM

Sharjah 24 – WAM: FIFA has selected former Emirati international referee Mohammed Abdullah Hassan as one of the referee instructors for the 2026 World Cup finals, according to the UAE Football Association.

Emirati refereeing presence strengthened internationally

The appointment highlights the growing role of Emirati officials at global football events, with Hassan joining the instructional team responsible for supporting refereeing standards at the tournament.

Emirati team appointed for AFC Champions League clash

In a separate development, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has assigned an Emirati refereeing team to oversee the AFC Champions League quarter-final between Al Sadd SC and Vissel Kobe.

Experienced UAE officials selected for key match

The officiating team includes international referee Omar Al Ali, assistant referee Mohammed Ahmed Yousef, and video assistant referee Mohammed Obaid Khadem, further reflecting the UAE’s strong presence in continental refereeing assignments.