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.
Alcaraz reaches first Paris Masters final, will face Shelton
New Zealand maintain unbeaten record against Scotland with big win
Formula One extends Sao Paulo contract to 2035
South Africa thump Italy to stay perfect in Nations Championship
Okafor secures Leeds win at home to Tottenham after red-card controversy
