Marking a major milestone for Australian football, Alireza Faghani has become the first referee from the nation to take charge of a FIFA Club World Cup final. His being tasked with the world cup final puts him in league with some of the highly controversial FIFA referees. Australia’s football refereeing reputation was greatly improved and it paid for upgraded standards in sport education in Australia.
Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are set to confront one another in the grand final this weekend in Jeddah. Faghani, who migrated to Australia back in 2019, has established himself in the sporting world. Having worked in the A-League, he has also officiated quite a number of the most significant games including the final of the AFC Asian Cup as well as semi-finals for Olympic Games. He is therefore rightfully one of the all-time greats because top refs are held in high esteem.
Alireza Faghani jogging onto the field before a FIFA match. Source: AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Why This Matters for Australian Football
The FIFA confirmation has sent shockwaves in the football world of Australia. An appointment to the Club World Cup of an Australian match official confirms not only the professionalism of Faghani, but is an indication that Australian match officials are leaving an indelible mark at the international level.
FIFA issued a statement congratulating Faghani and stating that “It was a proud day for Australian sport.”
“Alireza has shown throughout his career an unprecedented level of integrity, accuracy and calm in the context of an environment that is high stakes. Awarding him the opportunity to officiate the Club World Cup final is well-deserved and a true reflection on all the hard work he has put in throughout his career.” said Nathan Magill (FA’s Head of Referees).
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Who Is Alireza Faghani?
Alireza Faghani was born in 1978 in Iran. He started refereeing at the top level early in the 2000s and became prominent as a referee when he officiated the final of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup. He quickly developed a reputation for making good decisions with unstinting firmness and fairness. He was assigned further tasks to referee at the top levels, including:
- 2016 Olympic Games,
- 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup
- 2018 FIFA World Cup (knockout phase included).
Faghani has also gained popularity in Australia and is now a force to be reckoned with in the A-League, whose benefits to future referees are positive.
Chelsea vs PSG: A High-Stakes Clash
The Club World Cup final between Chelsea and PSG is one of the most anticipated football fixtures of the year. Both clubs bring global fanbases, star-studded squads, and a fierce competitive edge. For FIFA, ensuring top-tier officiating was paramount.
Alireza Faghani’s calm demeanor, communication skills, and high match fitness were reportedly key factors in FIFA’s decision to appoint him.
“He commands respect without needing to bellow. That’s what sets him apart,” was the opinion of ex-FIFA referee Mark Shield in an interview for Fox Sports Australia.
 Source: Shutterstock
What It Means for Referees in the A-League
While players often receive most of the attention,Alireza Faghani’s Club World Cup selection shines a light on the often-overlooked role of referees. It also validates the efforts of the A-League in developing world-class officiating talent.
Refereeing experts say the visibility of Faghani’s assignment may inspire younger referees to pursue international careers.
“It’s sending a powerful message—homegrown high-level refereeing is not the domain of Europe or South America. Australians are capable of leading on the global stage,” Football Victoria’s Director of Refereeing stated.
Global Recognition and the Road Ahead
Once he completes this mission, Alireza Faghani should be a shoo-in for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. He remains one of FIFA’s most esteemed officials, and his Australian citizenship can only bolster his position in Oceania and AFC circles.
There are also whispers of Faghani becoming a mentor in Australia’s refereeing hierarchy post-tournament, sharing decades of wisdom with the young ones.
Conclusion: A Whistle Heard Around the World
The appointment of Alireza Faghani to umpire the Club World Cup final is not merely a professional achievement—it’s a watershed for Australian football. In a game where seldom does attention remain on the umpires, Faghani has earned it, not through controversy or drama, but through transparency, authority, and trust.
As Chelsea and PSG meet, it’s reassuring to know that one of the world’s best is about to patrol from the centre circle—and this time around, he’ll be wearing the badge of Australia.
