The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final in Miami Gardens, Florida, was overseen by Alireza Faghani, marking another high-profile assignment in a career that has spanned continents. Born in Kashmar in 1978, he transitioned from a domestic football player in Iran to one of the most visible association football referees on the global stage.
Early Development and Domestic Career
Before rising to international prominence, Faghani gained experience as a player with youth side Bank Melli and several Iranian clubs, including Shahab Khodro, Etka, and Niroye Zamini. He participated in Iran's third-tier League 2. Following his playing days, he moved into officiating, taking charge of matches in the Persian Gulf Pro League starting in 2007. His work in his home country earned him the Iranian Referee of the Year title five times between 2011 and 2018.
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Faghani earned his FIFA referee badge in 2008. His rapid advancement led to appointments for significant international fixtures. He refereed the 2009 AFC President's Cup and the 2010 AFC Challenge Cup finals. Over the following decade, he was central to major tournaments, including the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cup competitions, the 2015 AFC Asian Cup final, and the 2016 Summer Olympics gold medal match between Brazil and Germany.
Transition to Australia and Continued Officiating
In September 2019, Faghani moved from Iran to Australia with his family. He joined the A-League Men as a full-time match official and became a registered referee for Football Australia in 2023. This change in representation eventually led to his selection for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. His career has remained marked by intense scrutiny; a yellow card issued during a 2024 Asian Cup match between Iraq and Jordan prompted widespread fan petitions. He continues to operate as an international official, including selection for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Fast facts
- Born: 21 March 1978, Kashmar
- Citizenship: Australia and Iran
- FIFA Referee since: 2008
- Asian Referee of the Year: 2016, 2018
- Employer: Tehran Municipality
- Language proficiency: English and Persian
Questions readers ask
Which major international finals has Alireza Faghani refereed?
He has officiated the 2015 AFC Asian Cup final, the 2016 Summer Olympics football final, the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup final, and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final.
Why does Faghani represent Australia now?
He migrated to Australia in 2019 and joined the Football Australia panel, officially representing the nation in international tournaments starting in 2023.
