Young referee from Najaf sets sights on Iraqi Premier League, international soccer

NAJAF — Muqtada Sami, the youngest official referee in Al-Mishkhab district, Najaf, is gearing up to officiate in the Iraqi Premier League. At just 24 years old, he is aiming to earn his international referee badge. Having begun his refereeing career two years ago, Muqtada spends his days training and officiating local matches, working toward his goal of advancing in the world of football officiating.

The Iraqi Premier League is the second-tier soccer league in Iraq, below the Iraqi Stars League. The league consists of 24 clubs and is managed by the Iraqi Soccer Association. Two teams from each season qualify for the Stars League, while four teams are relegated to the Second Division.

In an interview with 964media, Muqtada shared details of his daily routine, which includes rigorous physical training and refereeing local matches. He is also learning English to improve communication with international soccer stars, should his career advance.

“I started refereeing two years ago as a third-class referee, and with my progress, I have become a second-class referee. My current ambition is to advance to first-class refereeing in the professional league and eventually earn the international badge,” Muqtada told 964media.

He explained that he trains daily in a gym and follows a healthy diet to maintain peak physical fitness. “Every Friday, I test myself at the Najaf International Stadium to stay prepared for any surprise assessments from the Central Referee Committee.”

Muqtada highlighted the demanding nature of the tests referees undergo, which include both theoretical and practical components. He is currently focused on preparing for the practical tests through daily training and studying the rules of the game to enhance his officiating skills.

In addition to physical preparation, Muqtada is learning English as part of his broader effort to communicate effectively with international players. This initiative comes in anticipation of upcoming evaluations by Iraq’s Central Referee Committee, scheduled to take place in the coming months.