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Alireza Faghani

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Alireza Faghani
Alireza Faghani
The White House · Public domain · source
NameAlireza Faghani
Birth date1978-03-21
Birth placeMashhad, Iran
NationalityIranian
Other orgsA-League, FIFA, AFC

Alireza Faghani is an Iranian-born football referee who has officiated at top international competitions including the FIFA World Cup, AFC Asian Cup, and AFC Champions League. He has been appointed to major finals and high-profile matches across Asia, Oceania, and Europe, gaining recognition from organizations such as FIFA and the AFC. His career includes appointments in domestic leagues like the Persian Gulf Pro League and international club competitions including the AFC Champions League and the A-League.

Early life and education

Faghani was born in Mashhad, Iran, a city associated with Razavi Khorasan Province and sites such as the Imam Reza Shrine, and developed an early interest in football influenced by clubs like Persepolis F.C., Esteghlal F.C., and international teams such as Real Madrid C.F. and FC Barcelona. He pursued studies in physical education and sports sciences at institutions that align with Iranian academic structures and trained under refereeing programs linked to the Iranian Football Federation and the Asian Football Confederation. His formative refereeing mentors and peers included officials who later worked in competitions organized by FIFA, the AFC, and regional bodies like the West Asian Football Federation.

Refereeing career

Faghani began officiating in the Persian Gulf Pro League and progressed to continental appointments with the AFC Champions League, gaining a FIFA badge that enabled him to referee international fixtures such as FIFA World Cup qualifiers and matches in the AFC Asian Cup. His career saw moves that placed him in competitions overseen by FIFA and leagues like the A-League in Australia and international friendlies featuring national teams from Iran, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia. He has worked alongside assistant referees and fourth officials who have also featured in tournaments organized by UEFA, CONMEBOL, and CONCACAF, and has participated in referee development seminars hosted by FIFA and the AFC.

Major international tournaments

Faghani was selected for the 2014 FIFA World Cup squad of officials and later officiated at the 2018 FIFA World Cup where he refereed matches involving teams such as Argentina, Iran national football team, France national football team, and Brazil national football team. He also took charge at editions of the AFC Asian Cup, the FIFA Confederations Cup, and club competitions including the AFC Champions League Final. His tournament appointments included knockout-stage matches and high-stakes fixtures featuring nations like Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Belgium, England national football team, Uruguay national football team, Colombia national football team, and Chile national football team.

Style and officiating controversies

Faghani's refereeing style is characterized by demeanor and positioning that drew commentary during matches involving players from clubs like Manchester United F.C., Manchester City F.C., Chelsea F.C., Liverpool F.C., and national sides including Argentina national football team and Portugal national football team. His application of the Laws of the Game in moments contested by coaches such as José Mourinho, Pep Guardiola, Diego Simeone, and Carlo Ancelotti generated debate in media outlets covering UEFA Champions League and FIFA World Cup fixtures. Specific contentious decisions in matches with participation from players like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Luka Modrić, and Kevin De Bruyne prompted analysis by former referees affiliated with FIFA Referees Committee and commentators from networks that broadcast World Cup and European Championship coverage. Disciplinary outcomes and VAR interventions in games where he officiated intersected with policies from IFAB and were discussed at conferences involving AFC and FIFA officials.

Honors and recognition

Faghani received appointments and commendations from FIFA and the AFC for performances in tournaments including the AFC Asian Cup and the FIFA World Cup, and was named among top referee lists that also included officials from Germany, Spain, Netherlands, and Italy. His accolades reflect selections for finals and high-profile matches alongside peers who have officiated at UEFA Champions League Final, Copa América Final, and CONMEBOL Libertadores Final. Media outlets and football associations profiled him in discussions about elite referees who have impacted matches featuring clubs such as Real Madrid C.F., FC Barcelona, and Bayern Munich.

Category:Iranian football referees Category:1978 births Category:Living people