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.


Ronaldo on target as Al-Nassr win after security delay
Coventry savour first home Premier League win in 25 years
Bergs shocks Alcaraz in Shanghai as Zverev claims year-end top ranking
Ten arrested and police officer injured after Manchester City’s win at Liverpool
Australia need six wickets on final day to win first Test