Member of the Iraqi Football Federation, Sabah Qassem, announced that the contract with Portuguese refereeing expert Pereira is part of the federation's plan to develop the level of Iraqi referees and enhance their technical and physical abilities, as well as to improve their experience in managing matches, particularly in the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology.
Qassem stated, in a statement followed by the Video News Agency, that seeking assistance from the Portuguese expert aims to benefit from the experiences of the European school in the field of refereeing, noting that Pereira will supervise the nomination of referees for matches and tournaments, monitor league competitions, in addition to organizing training courses and internal camps.
He added that the development program will include theoretical lectures and analysis of refereeing cases, as well as physical fitness training and supervision of referees' training, and organizing specialized lectures on VAR technology to address gaps and enhance experience.
He explained that the expert will hold regular meetings with the referees committee and Iraqi referees to monitor their levels and assess their performance, in preparation for selecting refereeing teams for matches and tournaments, pointing out that the federation has provided young referees with greater opportunities to manage matches since the start of the current league competitions.
Regarding financial entitlements, Qassem confirmed the federation's continued payment of professional referees' fees and provision of necessary equipment, with a focus on settling dues for referees in the Premier League and futsal, and addressing part of previous debts in the upcoming phase.
He indicated that the agreement with the Portuguese expert will last six months, until the end of the season, subject to a comprehensive evaluation to determine the extent of benefit and the possibility of renewal.
He noted that Iraqi referees continue to manage matches in Asian, Gulf, and international championships, affirming the federation's efforts to develop their capabilities and prepare refereeing teams capable of reaching the finals of the upcoming World Cup.