FIFA Intervenes to Resolve World Cup Referee Visa Issues, Prohibits Officiating Friendlies for Participating Teams

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has initiated practical steps to address the challenges related to referee visas. This comes amid logistical difficulties faced by several officials, particularly in some Arab and African countries, as the highly anticipated World Cup approaches this summer.

The list of referees for the World Cup includes a significant Moroccan presence. Jalal Jayed is named as a main referee, with Zakaria Brinssi and Mostafa Akarkad serving as assistant referees, and Hamza El-Fariq assigned to Video Assistant Referee (VAR) duties.

During the administrative procedures phase, the global football governing body requested referees to send their files to the FIFA Secretary-General. This is to provide them with special, pre-coordinated codes to be included in their visa application documents, aiming to expedite the process and ensure their readiness well in advance of the tournament's start.

In a related development, FIFA sent electronic communications to the referees selected for the World Cup, urging them to refrain from officiating any friendly matches involving teams participating in the finals during the upcoming period. This measure is intended to avoid any potential conflicts of interest and to ensure the neutrality of its refereeing committee's selections.

Conversely, FIFA has given the green light for referees to officiate matches in foreign leagues, provided that the federation is informed in advance of the match details, including both timing and location.