FIFA Approves 24 Saudi Referees for 2025, Including Women

FIFA has approved the list of Saudi Arabia’s international referees for 2025, featuring 21 male and 3 female officials. The announcement, made via the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), underscores the Kingdom’s growing commitment to developing sports officiating talent in line with international standards. The list includes eight head referees, ten assistant referees, six video match officials, and two futsal referees, as well as one beach soccer referee, reflecting a comprehensive approach to football governance.

Context and Background

This accreditation by FIFA is a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia’s sports sector, which has experienced rapid modernization under Vision 2030. The inclusion of female referees, such as Heba Al-Owaidi and Eman Al-Madani, highlights the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to promote gender inclusion in sports, a key pillar of the country’s social and economic transformation agenda. The list builds on previous years’ progress, with Saudi officials increasingly taking on roles in regional and international tournaments.

Key Details

The list of eight head referees includes Mohammed Al-Huwaish, Faisal Al-Balawi, Shukri Al-Hanfosh, Mohamed Al-Smaail, Abdullah Al-Shehri, Majed Al-Shamrani, Khalid Al-Turais, and Heba Al-Owaidi. Ten assistant referees were also accredited: Mohammed Al-Abkari, Abdulrahim Al-Shammari, Ibrahim Al-Dakhil, Omar Al-Jamal, Faisal Al-Qahtani, Hisham Al-Rifai, Khalaf Al-Shammari, Saad Al-Subaie, Yasser Al-Sultan, and Eman Al-Madani. FIFA also approved six video match officials: Mohammed Al-Huwaish, Sultan Al-Harbi, Mamdouh Al-Shahdan, Majed Al-Shamrani, Abdullah Al-Shehri, and Khalid Al-Turais. Additionally, Yahya Al-Athwani and Reem Al-Bishi were named as futsal referees, and Hamed Al-Malki as a beach soccer referee.

Implications and Impact

The breadth of this accreditation—spanning traditional, video, and specialized formats like futsal and beach soccer—signals Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a hub for sports excellence in the Middle East. The involvement of female officials in multiple categories reflects a broader shift toward diversity and inclusion in the Kingdom’s sports ecosystem. This development also supports Saudi Arabia’s ability to host and officiate major international events, including the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, reinforcing its growing stature in global football.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This FIFA accreditation directly supports Vision 2030‘s Quality of Life Program, which aims to enhance sports participation and professionalize sports governance. By nurturing a cadre of internationally certified referees, Saudi Arabia is building institutional capacity that will contribute to a vibrant sports sector, attract global events, and create new opportunities for citizens. The inclusion of women in these roles underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to empowering all members of society, a cornerstone of the Vision 2030 reform agenda.

20 Questions

Q1. What did FIFA approve for Saudi Arabia in 2025?

A1. FIFA approved the list of Saudi Arabia’s international referees for 2025, featuring 24 officials—21 men and 3 women—across multiple categories including head referees, assistants, and video match officials.

Q2. How many head referees are on the list?

A2. The list includes eight head referees: Mohammed Al-Huwaish, Faisal Al-Balawi, Shukri Al-Hanfosh, Mohamed Al-Smaail, Abdullah Al-Shehri, Majed Al-Shamrani, Khalid Al-Turais, and Heba Al-Owaidi.

Q3. Who are the female referees included in the list?

A3. The female referees are Heba Al-Owaidi (head referee), Eman Al-Madani (assistant referee), and Reem Al-Bishi (futsal referee), reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to gender inclusion in sports.

Q4. How many assistant referees were accredited?

A4. FIFA accredited ten assistant referees for Saudi Arabia in 2025, including Mohammed Al-Abkari, Abdulrahim Al-Shammari, Ibrahim Al-Dakhil, and others, with Eman Al-Madani as the only female assistant.

Q5. What is the role of video match officials?

A5. Video match officials assist on-field referees by reviewing footage to ensure accurate decisions on goals, penalties, and other key incidents during matches.

Q6. How many video match officials were accredited?

A6. FIFA approved six video match officials for Saudi Arabia: Mohammed Al-Huwaish, Sultan Al-Harbi, Mamdouh Al-Shahdan, Majed Al-Shamrani, Abdullah Al-Shehri, and Khalid Al-Turais.

Q7. Did the list include futsal referees?

A7. Yes, Yahya Al-Athwani and Reem Al-Bishi were included as futsal referees, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s focus on developing officiating across multiple football formats.

Q8. Was a beach soccer referee included?

A8. Yes, Hamed Al-Malki was accredited as a beach soccer referee, showcasing the Kingdom’s growing presence in niche football disciplines.

Q9. Why is this list significant for Saudi Arabia?

A9. This list demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s advancing capabilities in sports officiating, aligning with Vision 2030’s goals to modernize sports and host major international tournaments.

Q10. How does this support Vision 2030?

A10. It supports the Quality of Life Program by promoting professional sports governance, creating jobs, and enhancing the Kingdom’s ability to host global events like the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

Q11. What does the inclusion of female referees indicate?

A11. It indicates Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to gender inclusion, empowering women in sports as part of broader social and economic reforms under Vision 2030.

Q12. Are any referees listed in multiple categories?

A12. Yes, Mohammed Al-Huwaish, Majed Al-Shamrani, Abdullah Al-Shehri, and Khalid Al-Turais are both head referees and video match officials.

Q13. How many referees in total are on the list?

A13. The list includes 24 referees: 8 head referees, 10 assistants, 6 video match officials, 2 futsal referees, and 1 beach soccer referee, with some officials appearing in multiple categories.

Q14. Who announced this accreditation?

A14. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) announced the accreditation, based on official communication from FIFA to the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.

Q15. Does this list affect Saudi Arabia’s hosting of global events?

A15. Yes, having internationally accredited referees strengthens Saudi Arabia’s capacity to officiate and host major tournaments, supporting bids for events like the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

Q16. What is the process for FIFA accreditation?

A16. Referees undergo rigorous training and assessment by FIFA to meet international standards, with renewals required periodically to maintain accreditation.

Q17. How does this compare to previous years?

A17. The 2025 list shows increased diversity and numbers, particularly with more female officials and specialized roles, reflecting Saudi sports growth.

Q18. What is the role of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation?

A18. The federation nominates referees for FIFA accreditation and provides ongoing training and development to ensure they meet international standards.

Q19. Could these referees officiate in the FIFA World Cup?

A19. Yes, FIFA-accredited referees are eligible for selection to officiate in World Cup qualifiers and the tournament itself, subject to performance evaluations.

Q20. What is the next step for these referees?

A20. They will continue training and officiating in domestic and international matches to gain experience, with the potential to be selected for major tournaments like the AFC Asian Cup.

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