26/11/10 - Ravshan Irmatov named Asia’s best referee

FIFA referee from Uzbekistan Ravshan Irmatov has for the third time in a row been named the best referee in Asia.

The AFC Vice-President Yousuf Al Serkal presented the Referee of the Year award to Ravshan Irmatov at a ceremony in Kuala-Lumpur, Malaysia.

The award is the highest acknowledgement for referees of the football matches organized by the Asian Football Confederation.

The selection of the year’s best referee is based on the evaluations of the inspectors during international matches.

Among the criteria are also self-control in difficult situations, respectful attitude towards players and impeccable application of football rules.

Ravshan Irmatov scored the highest result in the last football season, leaving behind fellow World Cup referees Yuichi Nishimura of Japan and Khalil Al Ghamdi of Saudi Arabia.

33-year-old Ravshan Irmatov was one of the best referees at this year’s FIFA World Cup finals 2010 in South Africa. He has been refereeing FIFA matches since 2003.

As reported earlier, President Islam Karimov awarded Ravshan Irmatov with the honorary title O‘zbekiston Iftixori (Pride of Uzbekistan) with his decree of 20 July 2010.

UzA