Qatar 2022/ Former Saudi Referee Highlights to QNA Qatar's Unlimited Potentials to Organize Sports Mega Events

Doha, December 19 (QNA) - Former Head of the Referees Committee in the Saudi Football Federation Khalil Jalal hailed the State of Qatar's successful World Cup hosting. The tournament that kicked off Nov. 20 ended Sunday at Lusail Iconic Stadium, with Argentina claiming their third title after defeating France 4-2 on penalty shootout after a 120-minute 3-3 draw. Jalal also praised the level of World Cup referees despite some objections by fans. Refereeing was a great addition to the success of the World Cup, he said. In an exclusive statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Jalal said the referees in the tournament showed an excellent performance, particularly those who officiated the knockout matches. He added that technology provided an assistance to referees that overcame hasty decisions and time wasting. Jalal, who featured in the 2006 World Cup matches in Germany as a fourth referee, hailed the performance of Polish referee Szymon Marciniak who officiated the final match, thanks to his experience and cooperation with the assistant staff and the video assistant referee technology. He also hailed Qatari referee Abdulrahman Al Jassim along with assistant referees Taleb Salem Al Marri and Saud Ahmed, as a great addition to Arab and Asian referees. Al Jassim officiated the third place playoff between Morocco and Croatia. Al Jassim is moving at a steady pace, and if he continues in this way, he may officiate games in the next World Cup, and the AFC Referees Committee will benefit from him in the upcoming tournaments, he said. (QNA)