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.
Saudi Arabia reach Gulf Cup semis as Iraq win thriller
Sulaiman Abdulrahman wins UAE's first medal at Asian Games
De Minaur stuns Zverev as Team World take 5-3 lead in Laver Cup
Russell fends off Verstappen to win in Baku, Antonelli fifth
Ireland to fulfil Nations League fixture with Israel after player vote
