The Central Asian Football Association successfully conducted the CAFA Assistant Referees Webinar 2025, aimed at enhancing the knowledge, decision-making skills, and teamwork of assistant referees across the region.
The virtual session brought together 43 assistant referees from all six CAFA member associations and focused on critical match officiating topics including offside decisions, challenges, penalty area incidents, handball offenses, and tactical fouls. The webinar featured interactive group discussions, detailed case studies, and expert-led sessions designed to support continuous improvement and alignment with the modern game’s demands.
The webinar was officially opened by Mr. Ravshan Irmatov, Chairman of the CAFA Referees Committee, who emphasized the critical role assistant referees play in the overall decision-making process on the field.
“Refereeing today requires precision, speed, and coordination. Assistant referees must be fully engaged, as their accurate input greatly supports the referee’s final decisions,” stated Mr. Irmatov. “This webinar is an opportunity to grow through dialogue, challenge each other’s perspectives, and strive for consistent performance.”
The sessions were led by two highly respected instructors and former referee assessors: Mr. Jakhongir Saidov (Uzbekistan) and Ms. Masoumeh Shakouri (IR Iran), both of whom brought valuable expertise and in-depth analysis to the discussions.
A key feature of the webinar was the division into interactive groups, where participants examined real match situations and debated differing interpretations. These exchanges, often featuring varied viewpoints, allowed the instructors to provide final clarifications and share best practices — a vital element of the learning process.
This initiative reflects CAFA’s ongoing commitment to referee development and ensuring that all match officials are equipped with the tools and understanding required to officiate at the highest standards. The webinar not only fostered professional growth but also strengthened regional unity through shared learning.
