The final between Japan and Qatar at the AFC Asian Cup 2019 takes place today on 1 feb 2019, and while all eyes will be on the players, the match officials could play a huge role as well.
Abu Dhabi: After six wins apiece, Japan and Qatar stand within touching distance of Asian football’s greatest prize as they prepare to meet in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 final at Zayed Sports City Stadium on Friday.
Since that we are reporting that the match referee for the final encounter will be the experienced Ravshan Irmatov.
The Uzbekistan referee has loads of experience, and has officiated in several World Cup matches, with the 2010 World Cup in South Africa being his debut in the tournament.
He has been named AFC referee of the year five times in his officiating career, and has also set the record for officiating the highest number of FIFA World Cup matches.
Abdukhamidullo Rasulov and Jakhongir Saidov will join Irmatov as the two assistant referees (also from Uzbekistan), while the fourth official for the final will be China PR referee Ma Ning.
Paolo Valeri of Italy has been appointed as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), while Muhammad Taqi bin Jahari (Singapore),and Christopher Beath (Australia) will be present as assistants to him.
An all-star final needs an all-star officiating panel, and this combination of referees is just that.
Showpiece specialists meet first timers
Japan are the competition’s most successful nation, becoming champions four times since breaking through for their first Asian title on home soil in 1992, but they also boast a perfect record in the AFC Asian Cup final, having won in all four of their previous appearances in the decider.