KUALA LUMPUR: FA of Malaysia (FAM) president Datuk Hamidin Amin has urged three Malaysian referees who will be on duty at the Asian Cup in Qatar (Jan 12-Feb 10) to shine and earn themselves a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
Hamidin met with Nazmi Nasaruddin (referee), Zairul Khalil Tan (assistant referee) and Arif Shamil Rasid (assistant referee) at a hotel in Qatar yesterday and gave them a pep talk.
"Of course Malaysian fans wants to see Harimau Malaya do well in Qatar but we also want to see our referees selected for the World Cup," said Hamidin.
"The Asian Cup platform is your chance (to impress) and get selected among the 10 set of referees to qualify from Asia.
"Malaysian referees have a greater chance of creating history (officiating at World Cup) because for the first time there will be 48 nations competing.
"I am sure the three of you have already prepared well and will remain focused throughout the Asian Cup.
"You have to work hard and do your best in the matches. We pray that referees from Malaysia get selected for the World Cup."
The other Malaysian officials on duty at the Asian Cup include C. Ravichandran (fitness instructor) and Subkhiddin Salleh (technical expert).
The 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada, has been expanded to 48 nations from 32 in previous editions.