• Omar Bishtawi confirmed that the presence of a Jordanian whistle on the world stage is “the result of years of hard work and continuous development.”

In a landmark decision reflecting the growing reputation of Jordanian referees at both continental and international levels, the Director of Referees at the Jordan Football Association, Omar Bishtawi, announced that FIFA has appointed a Jordanian refereeing team to oversee matches at the World Cup finals.

Bishtawi revealed that the spotlight falls on the internationally acclaimed referee Adham Machadmeh as the main official, accompanied by a top-level assistant team:

• Ahmad Al-Ruwaili (Assistant Referee)
• Mohammad Al-Bakkar (Assistant Referee)

This appointment follows rigorous physical and technical evaluations, as well as successful stints managing major AFC Champions League matches and World Cup qualifiers, proving the Jordanian team’s ability to handle high-profile games with skill and composure.

Breaking Records: An Unprecedented Achievement

This marks a historic first: while the late assistant referee Awni Hassouna reached the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan, this is the first time a Jordanian center referee has been selected for the World Cup finals.

The achievement honors not only Machadmeh and his team but also the Jordanian football system under the guidance of His Royal Highness Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, who has prioritized refereeing through expert training camps and development programs.

Reactions and Expectations

Omar Bishtawi emphasized that Jordanian referees are now recognized for their integrity and proficiency with VAR technology, making them highly sought after in top tournaments.

Jordanian sports circles expressed immense pride, noting that the selection of Machadmeh, Al-Ruwaili, and Al-Bakkar will elevate Jordan’s presence in global football and inspire a new generation of young refereeing talents.

Fans across the kingdom eagerly anticipate seeing the team officiate matches featuring the world’s biggest stars, carrying the hopes of Arab and Asian sports on the global stage.