![20 referees complete PFF Coaching Course in Lahore [The Nation]](https://footballpakistan.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/PFF-Referee-Course-July-2026-Lahore-1.jpg "20 referees complete PFF Coaching Course in Lahore [The Nation]")
LAHORE – A total of 20 football referees successfully completed a comprehensive Referee Coaching Course in Lahore, marking another important step in the Pakistan Football Federation’s (PFF) efforts to improve the standard of officiating and strengthen the development of football across the country. The training programme focused on enhancing the technical knowledge, decision-making ability and practical officiating skills of match officials. Participants received extensive instruction on the Laws of the Game, match management, fitness standards, positioning, communication, and modern refereeing techniques under the guidance of experienced instructors Muhammad Rauf Bari, Waheed Murad, Tariq Masood and Anees Javed.
The closing ceremony was attended by PFF Chief Operating Officer M Shahid Niaz Khokhar and PFF Vice President Hafiz Zakaullah, while DFA Lahore President Zia Arif Dogar distributed certificates among the successful participants. Addressing the ceremony, COO M Shahid Niaz Khokhar reiterated the PFF’s commitment to investing in referee and coach education through regular training programmes. He praised the instructors and organisers for successfully conducting the course and urged the participants to perform their duties with professionalism, integrity and confidence.
Congratulating the newly certified referees, Zia Arif Dogar highlighted the crucial role of qualified match officials in ensuring fair play, maintaining discipline and improving the overall standard of football competitions in Pakistan. The newly qualified referees expressed gratitude for the valuable learning experience, describing the programme as a significant milestone in their officiating careers and an important contribution to the continued growth of football in Pakistan.