Asia's most famous referee Faghani Alireza will control the Vietnam - Indonesia match on March 26 at My Dinh Stadium.
Asia's most famous referee Faghani Alireza will officiate the Vietnam - Indonesia match - Photo: REUTERS
On the night of March 22, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced that referee Faghani Alireza - with dual Iranian and Australian citizenship - will officiate the Vietnam - Indonesia match in the 3 World Cup qualifier on March 2026 on the field. My Dinh.
Assisting Mr. Faghani Alireza are two assistant referees Larkrindis George, Gallagher Ryan Mark (same Australian nationality), and fourth referee Heidari Bijian (Iran).
Mr. Faghani Alireza was born in 1978. He and his younger brother Mohammadreza Faghani followed the refereeing career from their father Mohammad Faghani.
Mr. Faghani Alireza has been recognized as a FIFA-level referee since 2008. Since then, he has gradually become one of the most classy referees in Asia, having officiated at many major tournaments such as the World Cup (2018, 2022). , Olympics 2016, Asian Cup, Confederations Cup, FIFA Club World Cup.
In September 9, Faghani Alireza migrated to Australia and continued his career as a whistleblower at this national championship. He is also famous on social networks with more than 2019 followers.
Statistics from Transfermarkt, referee Faghani Alireza has controlled a total of 453 matches, issued 1676 yellow cards, 43 red cards and blew 117 penalties.
Referee Faghani Alireza once blew the second leg of the AFF Cup 2018 final, the Vietnamese team won the championship after winning 1-0 against Malaysia at My Dinh Stadium - Photo: HOANG Tung
In the round of 16 of the 2023 Asian Cup, Mr. Faghani Alireza caused fierce controversy when he disqualified Iraqi striker Aymen Hussein after he celebrated a goal in a style imitating his opponent in a 2-3 loss to Jordan. .
The Vietnamese team is no stranger to Mr. Faghani Alireza. It seems to be a lucky omen that in both matches with this Iranian referee, the Vietnamese team won.
The first was the final leg of the AFF Cup 2018, Vietnam won 1-0 against Malaysia at My Dinh Stadium. The last time in the round of 16 of the 2019 Asian Cup, Vietnam beat Jordan with a score of 5-3 after a penalty shootout.
Meanwhile, Faghani Alireza has only held the whistle once in the Indonesian team's match, which was a 0-2 loss to Malaysia in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers in Asia.
Ranking of Group F in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Asia after the 3rd match - Graphic: AN BINH
Hoang Tung – Tuoitre.vn
