The dream is to officiate in the FIFA World Cup, which is around the corner, and the 32-year-old told www.the-afc.com on the sidelines of the AFC Congress he was working hard to make the grade.

“It is in my character that whenever I take aim, it is for the maximum,” said Irmatov. “I want to be the best in the business and this motivates me throughout.”

Ironically, Irmatov would not have been the referee he is today had it not been for a serious football injury suffered at the age of 18.

“It was a bad tackle that destroyed my right ankle,” revealed the Uzbek, who was bedridden for a year before he could take baby steps.

The injury put paid to his chances of pursuing the game as a professional and, at the young age of 19, he took up the whistle, staying close to the game he so dearly loves.

“My father was a national level referee and he told me to become a referee,” said Irmatov, adding tongue-in-cheek, “I think it was the first time I took his advice.”

Irmatov did not take long to find fame with his no-nonsense interpretation of the rules and firm yet polite handling of the men in pressure-cooker situations, which ultimately led to the Uzbek bagging Asia’s most prestigious refereeing honour last year.

“It was one of the memorable moments of my life but I forgot it the next day,” said Irmatov in keeping with his go-getting nature that looks forward and seldom glances in the rearview mirror.