Jeddah: The preparatory camp for referees officiating the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup (Khaleeji 27), hosted by Saudi Arabia from September 23 to October 6, kicked off in Jeddah today.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Gulf Cup Football Federation Referees Committee Chairman Hani Taleb Balan inaugurated the camp. He welcomed the participating referees and emphasized the importance of making the most of the preparatory program to achieve the highest level of readiness ahead of the tournament.
The program includes theoretical lectures, practical training sessions, fitness tests, and specialized training on the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. It also covers the latest amendments to the Laws of the Game and their application, along with discussions of various refereeing incidents and decisions.
The 27th edition features international referees alongside officials from the Gulf states. A Moroccan refereeing team is participating under an agreement between the Gulf Cup Football Federation and the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Referees from Jordan and China are also participating, along with two refereeing teams each from the Netherlands and Portugal.
The international participation is part of the Gulf Cup Football Federation's efforts to exchange expertise, benefit from diverse refereeing experiences, and enhance the technical level of officiating in its tournaments.