The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said Emirati referee Yahya Ali Al Mulla passed three rounds of evaluations before joining its elite panel for 2021.
"I attribute this achievement to the UAE Football Association under the chairmanship of Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, for their support and determination to develop refereeing at all levels and to introduce a set of competences which serve as the basis for talent identification, training and quality control of referees," said Al Mulla, who will be invited to the AFC Elite Referees Seminar in 2021.
The referees selected for the panel will be eligible to officiate at the most prestigious competitions at the continental and international stages.
Ethiopians Gemechu, Hirpa win men's, women's Dubai Marathons
Sabalenka, Zverev shine after rain stops play in Melbourne
Liverpool and Man City march into FA Cup 4th round
Moyes returns to Everton as manager
Monfils becomes oldest player to win ATP title with Auckland victory
