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Alireza Faghani

{{short description|Iranian international football referee|bot=PearBOT 5}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2022}}

{{Infobox football official

|name = Alireza Faghani

|image = Ger-Mex (19).jpg

|caption= Faghani refereeing Germany vs. Mexico in 2018 World Cup

|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1978|03|21|df=yes}}

|birth_place = Kashmar, Iran

|death_place =

| otheroccupation = Municipality employee

| years1 = 2000–2008

| league1 = Azadegan League

| role1 = Referee

| years2 = 2007–2022

| league2 = {{nowrap|Persian Gulf Pro League}}

| role2 = Referee

| years3 = 2019–

| league3 = A-League Men

| role3 = Referee

| internationalyears1 = 2008–

| confederation1 = FIFA listed

| internationalrole1 = Referee

}}

Alireza Faghani ({{langx|fa|عليرضا فغانى}}; born 21 March 1978) is an Iranian-Australian international football referee and former player, who has been on the international referees list for FIFA since 2008.

Faghani has officiated in the Persian Gulf Pro League for several seasons until 2022, important matches such as the 2014 AFC Champions League final, the 2015 AFC Asian Cup final, the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup final, the 2016 Olympic football final match. He has refereed matches in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup, 2018 FIFA World Cup, 2019 AFC Asian Cup, 2022 FIFA World Cup, and 2023 AFC Asian Cup.

Faghani had migrated to Australia in September 2019, and now referees in the A-League Men, and as an Australian referee in international tournaments since 2023.{{cite web |title=2023 Refereeing International Lists - FIFA Digital Assets Hub |url=https://digitalhub.fifa.com/m/357d1bbadb3ef112/original/2023-FIFA-Refereeing-International-Lists.pdf |publisher=FIFA |date=4 January 2023}}

Early life

Faghani was born on 21 March 1978 in Kashmar, a city near Mashhad. His nickname is Behrooz ({{lang|fa|بهروز}}). His father, Mohammad Faghani ({{lang|fa|محمد فغانی}}) was also a football referee. He has a younger brother named Mohammadreza, who referees in Sweden.

Playing career

Faghani was part of the youth team of Bank Melli, and also played for Shahab Khodro, Etka, and Niroye Zamini. He also played in Iran's League 2, the third tier of Iranian football.

Refereeing career

Faghani became a FIFA referee in 2008, only a year after officiating in the top flight league in Iran. After only one year of international experience Faghani took charge of the 2009 AFC President's Cup Final which was played between Regar-TadAZ Tursunzoda and Dordoi-Dynamo Naryn which was won 2–0 by the hosts.{{cite web

|title=2009 AFC President's Cup Final

|url=http://www.the-afc.com/en/component/joomleague/?view=report&compID=364&matchId=2523

|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121209140524/http://www.the-afc.com/en/component/joomleague/?view=report&compID=364&matchId=2523

|url-status=dead

|archive-date=9 December 2012

|publisher=AFC

|access-date=18 January 2019

}} A year later he was again in charge of a final in the 2010 AFC Challenge Cup.

He was named as the fourth referee for the opening match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup between Brazil and Croatia.{{cite web| url = http://www.persianfootball.com/news/2014/06/10/faghani-to-be-the-fourth-referee-in-the-opening-world-cup-match/| title = Faghani to be the Fourth referee in the Opening World Cup match}} He also refereed the 2014 AFC Champions League Final first leg match between Al-Hilal and Western Sydney Wanderers. He was also one of the officials of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, refereeing his first match in Group B between Saudi Arabia and China that ended 0–1.

Faghani refereed the 2009 Bangladesh Super Cup final between Dhaka Mohammedan and Dhaka Abahani on 27 March 2009.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-81655|title=Super Cup Mohammedan's|first=Al Musabbir|last=Sadi|date=March 28, 2009|website=The Daily Star|archive-date=June 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627175844/https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-81655|url-status=live}}

He was appointed to referee the 2015 AFC Asian Cup Final, which was contested by South Korea and Australia. Faghani was the referee in the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup Final between Club Atlético River Plate and FC Barcelona. He was also the referee in the 2016 Indian Super League Final between Kerala Blasters and ATK.{{cite web| url = http://www.the-afc.com/asian-cup-2015-2015-fifa-womens-world-cup-fifa-club-world-cup-2015/2015-round-up-what-a-year-it%E2%80%99s| title = the-afc.com}} Faghani reffed the 2016 Olympic football final match between host Brazil and Germany.

Faghani was referee in six matches of the 2017 Liga 1 in Indonesia and two matches of the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia.

Faghani was appointed to be a referee for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/36-referees-and-63-assistant-referees-appointed-as-russia-2018-match-officials|title=2018 FIFA World Cup - News – 36 referees and 63 assistant referees appointed as Russia 2018 Match Officials – FIFA.com|last=FIFA.com|website=www.fifa.com|language=en-GB|access-date=27 June 2019}} After the conclusion of the round of 16, it was announced that Faghani was one of 17 referees who had been selected to be assigned matches for the remainder of the tournament.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/17-referees-37-assistant-referees-and-10-video-assistant-referees-appointed|title=2018 FIFA World Cup - News – 17 referees, 37 assistant referees and 10 Video Assistant Referees appointed for next phase of 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia |last=FIFA.com|website=www.fifa.com|language=en-GB|access-date=27 June 2019}}

He was also referee of the 2018 AFF Championship final between Vietnam – Malaysia in its 2nd leg. On 5 December 2018, it was announced that Faghani had been appointed to referee at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates.{{Cite web|url=http://www.the-afc.com/competitions/afc-asian-cup/latest/news/largest-ever-cast-of-match-officials-appointed-for-uae-2019|title=Largest-ever cast of match officials appointed for UAE 2019|website=www.the-afc.com|language=en-GB|access-date=4 July 2019}}

In 2019 he and his family migrated from Iran to Australia, and he was subsequently signed on by the A-League to the full time match official panel. Since 2023, he is on the FIFA list of international referees from Australia. Faghani's decision to represent Australia was believed to be linked to his support for the Mahsa Amini protests, which resulted in the FFIRI delisting Faghani as an Iranian referee in retaliation.{{Cite web |title=Alireza Faghani, formerly Iran's most accomplished FIFA referee, will now represent Australia. |url=https://twitter.com/prznsoccer/status/1610721894952468488 |date=5 January 2023|access-date=9 November 2023 |via=Twitter |language=en}}

In 2024, Faghani was selected to referee the 2023 AFC Asian Cup opener, representing Australia.{{cite web | url=https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup/news/alireza_faghani_to_take_charge_of_asiancup2023_opener.html | title=Alireza Faghani to take charge of #AsianCup2023 opener }} During Jordan's 3–2 win over Iraq in the round of 16, Faghani controversially gave Iraqi striker Aymen Hussein a second yellow card for his goal celebration in the 76th minute.{{cite web|url=https://theathletic.com/5235593/2024/01/29/iraq-jordan-asian-cup-goal-celebration/|title=Iraq striker sent off after goal celebration in Asian Cup defeat to Jordan|website=The Athletic|date=30 January 2024|first=Colin|last=Miller}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com.au/football/story/_/id/39415849/controversy-hits-asian-cup-red-card-mimicking-celebration-leads-dramatic-jordan-fightback-iraq-elimination|title=Controversy hits Asian Cup as red card from mimicking celebration leads to dramatic Jordan fightback and Iraq's elimination|website=ESPN Australia|date=30 January 2024|first=Gabriel|last=Tan}} After the game, a petition by Iraqi fans on change.org was made to call on Faghani's suspension, which accumulated over 800,000 signatures.{{cite news |title=Iraqi-led petition has 80,000+ signatures calling for suspension of referee Faghani within 48hrs|url=https://www.insideworldfootball.com/2024/02/01/iraqi-led-petition-80000-signatures-calling-suspension-referee-faghani-within-48hrs/|access-date=3 February 2024 |website=InsideWorldFootball.com|date=1 February 2024}} The Asian Football Confederation issued a statement saying Faghani's decision was correct.{{cite news |title=AFC statement on Referee decision in Round of 16 match between Iraq and Jordan|url=https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup/news/afc_statement_on_referee_decision_in_round_of_16_match_between_iraq_and_jordan.html|access-date=3 February 2024 |publisher=Asian Football Confederation|date=2 February 2024}} Faghani received a torrent of social media abuse, leading to Football Australia issuing a statement saying that they are taking steps to protect and support their official.{{cite news |last1=Harrington |first1=Anna |title=FA support referee Alireza Faghani at Asian Cup |url=https://www.ftbl.com.au/news/fa-support-referee-alireza-faghani-at-asian-cup-604571 |access-date=3 February 2024 |work=FTBL.com.au |date=30 January 2024}}

On 14 April 2025, Faghani was named as a match official for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, representing Australia.https://inside.fifa.com/refereeing/news/match-officials-appointed-landmark-club-world-cup-2025

Matches

= FIFA World Cup =

File:FRA-ARG (21).jpg during the France vs Argentina match in the round of 16 of 2018 FIFA World Cup.]]

File:FWC 2018 - Group E - SRB v BRA - Photo 066.jpg match in the group stage of 2018 FIFA World Cup.]]

File:FRA-ARG (12).jpg match in the round of 16 of 2018 FIFA World Cup.]]

File:JPN-TUR 20190109 Asian Cup 6.jpg match in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.]]

class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto 1em auto; text-align:center; font-size:small;"

!colspan="4"|2018 FIFA World Cup – Russia

DateMatchVenueRound
17 June 2018{{fb|GER}} 0–1 {{fb|MEX}}MoscowGroup stage
27 June 2018{{fb|SRB}} 0–2 {{fb|BRA}}MoscowGroup stage
30 June 2018{{fb|FRA}} 4–3 {{fb|ARG}}KazanRound of 16
14 July 2018{{fb|BEL}} 2–0 {{fb|ENG}}Saint PetersburgThird place play-off

class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto 1em auto; text-align:center; font-size:small;"

!colspan="4"|2022 FIFA World Cup – Qatar

DateMatchVenueRound
24 November 2022{{fb|BRA}} 2–0 {{fb|SRB}}LusailGroup stage
28 November 2022{{fb|POR}} 2–0 {{fb|URU}}LusailGroup stage

= FIFA Confederations Cup =

class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto 1em auto; text-align:center; font-size:small;"

! colspan="4" |2017 FIFA Confederations Cup – Russia

DateMatchVenueRound
22 June 2017{{fb|GER}} 1–1 {{fb|CHL}}KazanGroup stage
27 June 2017{{fb|POR}} 0–0 {{fb|CHL}}
{{pso|0–3}}		KazanSemi-finals

= Summer Olympics =

class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto 1em auto; text-align:center; font-size:small;"

! colspan="4" |2016 Summer Olympics – Rio de Janeiro

DateMatchVenueRound
4 August 2016{{fbo|MEX}} 2–2 {{fbo|GER}}SalvadorGroup stage
10 August 2016{{fbo|DEN}} 0–4 {{fbo|BRA}}SalvadorGroup stage
20 August 2016{{fbo|BRA}} 1–1 {{fbo|GER}}
{{pso|5–4}}		Rio de JaneiroGold medal match

= AFC Asian Cup =

class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto 1em auto; text-align:center; font-size:small;"

! colspan="4" |2015 AFC Asian Cup – Australia

DateMatchVenueRound
10 January 2015{{fb|KSA}} 0–1 {{fb|CHN}}BrisbaneGroup stage
13 January 2015{{fb|KUW}} 0–1 {{fb|KOR}}CanberraGroup stage
16 January 2015{{fb|IRQ}} 0–1 {{fb|JPN}}BrisbaneGroup stage
23 January 2015{{fb|JPN}} 1–1 {{fb|UAE}}
{{pso|4–5}}		SydneyQuarter-finals
31 January 2015{{fb|KOR}} 1–2 {{aet}} {{fb|AUS}}SydneyFinal

class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto 1em auto; text-align:center; font-size:small;"

! colspan="4" |2019 AFC Asian Cup – United Arab Emirates

DateMatchVenueRound
9 January 2019{{fb|JPN}} 3–2 {{fb|TKM}}Abu DhabiGroup stage
20 January 2019{{fb|JOR}} 1–1 {{fb|VIE}}
{{pso|2–4}}		DubaiRound of 16

class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto 1em auto; text-align:center; font-size:small;"

! colspan="4" |2023 AFC Asian Cup – Qatar

DateMatchVenueRound
12 January 2024{{fb|QAT}} 3–0 {{fb|LBN}}LusailGroup stage
29 January 2024{{fb|IRQ}} 2–3 {{fb|JOR}}DohaRound of 16

= FIFA Club World Cup =

class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto 1em auto; text-align:center; font-size:small;"

! colspan="4" |2013 FIFA Club World Cup – Morocco

DateMatchVenueRound
14 December 2013Raja Casablanca {{flagicon|MAR}} 2–1 {{aet}} {{flagicon|MEX}} MonterreyAgadirQuarter-finals
21 December 2013Guangzhou Evergrande {{flagicon|CHN}} 2–3 {{flagicon|BRA}} Atlético MineiroMarrakeshThird place match

class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto 1em auto; text-align:center; font-size:small;"

! colspan="4" |2015 FIFA Club World Cup – Japan

DateMatchVenueRound
16 December 2015América {{flagicon|MEX}} 2–1 {{flagicon|COD}} TP MazembeOsakaMatch for fifth place
20 December 2015River Plate {{flagicon|ARG}} 0–3 {{flagicon|ESP}} BarcelonaYokohamaFinal

= FIFA Intercontinental Cup =

class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto 1em auto; text-align:center; font-size:small;"

! colspan="4" |2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup – Qatar

DateMatchVenueRound
14 December 2024Al-Ahly {{flagicon|EGY}} 0-0 {{flagicon|MEX}}
{{pso|5–6}} C.F. Pachuca		DohaFIFA Challenger Cup

Statistics

class="wikitable sortable sortbottom" style="font-size:100%; text-align: center; width: 85%;"

!align=left|Tournaments

!Contester !!Years !!Matches !!{{yel}} !!{{yel}} Average !!{{sent off|0}} !!{{sent off|0}} Average

align=left|FIFA World Cup

|FIFA

| 2018, 2022

| 6

264.5000.00
align=left|FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC)

|FIFA

| 2011–

| 13

| 45

| 3.46

| 0

| 0.00

align=left|FIFA Confederations Cup

|FIFA

| 2017

| 2

| 11

| 5.50

| 0

|0.00

align=left|Summer Olympics

|IOC–FIFA

| 2016

| 3

| 9

| 3.00

| 0

| 0.00

align=left|Friendlies

|FIFA

| 2014–

| 11

| 38

| 3.45

| 2

| 0.18

align=left|AFC Asian Cup

|AFC

| 2015, 2019, 2023

| 9

| 35

| 3.89

| 2

| 0.22

align=left|AFC Asian Cup qualification

|AFC

| 2015

| 2

| 6

| 3.00

| 0

| 0.00

align=left|FIFA U-20 World Cup

|FIFA

| 2013

| 2

| 6

| 3.00

| 0

| 0.00

align=left|FIFA Club World Cup

|FIFA

| 2012, 2013, 2015

| 4

| 18

| 4.50

| 1

| 0.06

align=left|AFC Champions League

|AFC

| 2010–2018

| 64

| 255

| 3.98

| 8

| 0.13

align=left|AFC Champions League qualification

|AFC

| 2011

| 1

| 3

| 3.00

| 0

| 0.00

align=left|{{flagicon|IND}} Indian Super League

|{{flagicon|IND}} AIFF

|2016

|1

|3

|3.00

|0

|0.00

align=left|{{flagicon|INA}} Liga 1

|{{flagicon|INA}} PSSI

| 2017

| 6

| 14

| 2.33

| 1

| 0.17

align=left|{{flagicon|IRN}} Persian Gulf Pro League

|{{flagicon|IRN}} FFIRI

| 2007–?

| ?

| ?

| ?

| ?

| ?

align=left|{{flagicon|IRN}} Hazfi Cup

|{{flagicon|IRN}} FFIRI

| 2015–2016

| 1

| 7

| 7.00

| 0

| 0.00

align=left|{{flagicon|IRN}} Azadegan League

|{{flagicon|IRN}} FFIRI

| 2000–2008

| ?

| ?

| ?

| ?

| ?

align=left|{{flagicon|AUS}} A-League Men

|{{flagicon|AUS}} FA

| 2019–

| 87

| 335

| 3.85

| 10

| 8.7

! align=left colspan=2|Totals || 2007– || 212+ || 831+ || 3.92 || 24+ || 0.11
! align=left colspan=8|Matches as referee are correct as of 30 January 2024{{cite web |title=Alireza Faghani: matches as referee |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/referee_summary/alireza-faghani/ |website=worldfootball.net |access-date=4 December 2022}}

Honours

References

{{reflist}}

External links

{{Commons category|Alireza Faghani}}

  • {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126193709/http://www.ratetheref.net/ref/view/201/alireza-faghani |date=dmy |title=Alireza Faghani at RateTheRef.net}}
  • {{Soccerway referee|alireza-faghani/118731}}
  • {{EU-Football.info referee}}
  • {{WorldFootball.net referee}}
  • {{Soccerbase referee}}
  • {{WorldReferee.com}}

{{s-start}}

{{s-sports}}
{{flagicon|Iran}} Alireza Faghani

{{Succession box

| before = {{flagicon|Guatemala}} Walter López Castellanos

| after = {{flagicon|Zambia}} Janny Sikazwe

| title = 2015 FIFA Club World Cup final referee}}

{{Succession box

| before = {{flagicon|Uzbekistan}} Ravshan Irmatov

| after = {{flagicon|Uzbekistan}} Ravshan Irmatov

| title = 2015 AFC Asian Cup final referee}}

{{Succession box

| before = {{flagicon|Great Britain}} Mark Clattenburg

| after = {{flagicon|Australia}} Chris Beath

| title = 2016 Men's Olympic Football Tournament final referee}}

{{s-end}}

{{2017 FIFA Confederations Cup referees}}

{{2018 FIFA World Cup referees}}

{{2022 FIFA World Cup referees}}

{{2023 AFC Asian Cup referees}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Faghani, Alireza}}

Category:Iranian football referees

Category:Living people

Category:1978 births

Category:2018 FIFA World Cup referees

Category:2022 FIFA World Cup referees

Category:2023 AFC Asian Cup referees

Category:People from Kashmar

Category:Football referees at the 2016 Summer Olympics

Category:A-League Men referees

Category:Iranian emigrants to Australia

Category:Sportspeople of Iranian descent

Category:Australian soccer referees