The course was opened by AFC Assistant General Secretary and Education Division Director Hassan Al Sabah, in the presence of AFC Director of Referees Yoshimi Ogawa, the-afc.com reported.

There are 25 participants representing 16 countries taking part in the event, which is run by George Cumming, AFC Project Manager. The two instructors are Japan’s Ishiyama Noboru and Singapore’s Shamsul Maidin.

In his opening address, Al Sabah said: “We hope you will become the best referees and you will be aim to in the World Cup in the future.

“Be what you are and do your best. This is the chance to show what you can do.”