Winners at the @AFootballAwards 🏆 Congratulations to Abid Hussain, who was named the inaugural Match Official of the Year at the 2026 Asian Football Awards. Abid was part of the original CORE X cohort and has since progressed to Level 2 as a match official. Mo Matadar was also honoured with a Special Recognition Award for his services to refereeing. A former FIFA assistant referee, Mo now supports the next generation of referees through his role at The FA 👏

Premier League and FIFA assistant referee Dan Robathan has retired from match officiating on medical grounds. We’ve been supporting Dan with his desire to return to the field following a health issue that necessitated spinal surgery. Despite everyone’s best efforts, that has unfortunately proved to not be possible, but our hope is the surgery and recovery can still see him lead a healthy and active life for himself and his family beyond professional officiating. Dan officiated in 203 Premier League matches and over 200 EFL and domestic cup fixtures, serving the game with professionalism and the highest possible standards week-in, week-out. Thank you for your contribution to the game, Dan. We wish you all the very best for the future ❤️