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.
Russell edges Antonelli as Mercedes set early practice pace in Japan
Sabalenka sails past Rybakina to set up Miami Open final against Gauff
Croatia beat Colombia 2-1 in World Cup warm-up
Italy, Sweden and Denmark close in on World Cup spots
Gauff crushes Muchova to reach Miami Open final
