Doha: The FIFA seminar for Video Assistant Referees (VAR) from Asia and Africa, candidates to officiate matches at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, began on Tuesday. The seminar, which runs until February 5, is being held under the supervision of the refereeing departments of FIFA and the Qatar Football Association (QFA), with the participation of 26 referees: 17 from Asia, including Qatari referee Khamis Al Marri, and nine from Africa. According to Qatar News Agency, the seminar features intensive practical training using VAR simulators, which will help simulate real-life refereeing situations and enhance the referees' skills. For his part, Pierluigi Collina, Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, praised the organizational level of the seminar and, participating via video conference, thanked the QFA for its outstanding hosting and provision of all necessary facilities. He emphasized that these seminars represent an important motivational milestone for referees nominated for th e World Cup and future tournaments. Hani Taleb Ballan, Chairman of the Referees Committee at the QFA, affirmed that this seminar is of great importance to referees nominated to officiate matches at the 2026 World Cup. He stressed the importance of this stage in the comprehensive monitoring and evaluation process for referees, encompassing both theoretical aspects and practical applications, while also highlighting the importance of providing the necessary developmental feedback to ensure the highest possible level of performance. It is worth noting that the VAR Officials Seminar is one of three seminars being held in Doha during February. It will be followed by the FIFA Seminar for female referees nominated for the 2027 World Cup from the Asian and African Football Confederations, scheduled to be held from February 9 to 13. The seminars will conclude with the FIFA Seminar for referees nominated for the 2026 World Cup from the Asian, African and Oceanian football confederations, scheduled to be held from Feb ruary 23 to 27.