The referees are required to pass the test if they are to take charge of major AFC matches this year. AFC Director of Referees Department, Yoshimi Ogawa, said the ones who missed out should do their best to come back strongly and pass the test on their next go.

“Because they are all AFC Elite Referees, I had expected all of them to pass the test easily, but unfortunately it was not the case,” said Ogawa.

“I hope those who failed today can redeem their pride in the re-test in March. For those who exceeded expectations, I would like to congratulate them.

“I hope that they can maintain their superb fitness level all the time. This shows that they are well disciplined and this is no doubt a very encouraging sign.”

AFC is insisting on high standards of fitness for Asia’s top referees to ensure they can keep up with the fast-paced action that is characteristic of the continent’s top club and national competitions.

The course is part of the AFC’s 2010 Elite Education Seminar that provides Asia’s leading referees, coaches and administrators with a chance to upgrade their knowledge and skills.

Australian Ben Wilson, Malaysian Subkhiddin Mohd Salleh and Valentin Kovalenko from Uzbekistan – all of whom are set to officiate in 2010 AFC Champions League play-off matches this month – were among those who passed the test with flying colours.

They even exceeded requirements by running two laps more than the required 10. Subkhiddin and Wilson are among the candidates to officiate at the FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa this year.

High-profile former English elite referee Keith Hackett is among the instructors for the course, with assistance of Singapore’s Shamsul Maidin and Japanese Toshio Utsumi, from FIFA, Saudi Arablia’s Ali Al Traifi, Japan’s Noboro Ishiyama, Qatari Hany Ballan and Scot Raymond Farrely.

This is the first of two identical courses for men’s referees. Because of the number of participants, it was decided to split the course into two sessions.