2 July 2025 (Kathmandu)
The inaugural South Asia Match Commissioners Conference and Workshop concluded in Kathmandu on Wednesday, marked by enthusiastic participation and a strong commitment to advancing football development across the region.
The event brought together current match commissioners from South Asia alongside aspiring ones, fostering a collaborative environment for sharing ideas, experiences, and strategies to enhance the sport. The gathering successfully built strong bonds among participants, which are expected to positively influence the growth of football in the region moving forward.
Led by Brian See, Head of AFC Competitions, and supported by senior AFC Match Commissioner Mindu Dorji from Bhutan, the workshop aimed to mentor the next generation of match commissioners in South Asia, preparing them for larger responsibilities on the international stage.
The first day focused on theoretical sessions and the exchange of match-day experiences, while the second day featured practical training at the stadium, allowing participants to apply their learning in a real-world setting.
During the opening ceremony, SAFF General Secretary Purushottam Kattel expressed gratitude to the AFC for its support. He emphasized the importance of such platforms for idea exchange, which ultimately enhance competition operations and benefit football in the region. Mr. Kattel also outlined SAFF’s upcoming activities and highlighted the crucial role of stakeholders in ensuring their success.
“This event has been a tremendous success, and we hope to make it a regular feature in the SAFF activity calendar,” said Mr. Kattel, extending his best wishes to the aspiring match commissioners preparing for the AFC Match Commissioners exams.
AFC Head of Competitions Brian See thanked SAFF for the invitation and expressed confidence that the event would help produce more capable match commissioners from South Asia.
In total, 22 participants attended the workshop, including nine current AFC match commissioners from the region.
