Becoming a professional FIFA referee requires years of training, experience, and progression through a multi-tier football (soccer) officiating system. A referee usually begins by gaining experience officiating amateur matches or friendly competitions and by completing a referee certification course offered by a national football association. A referee is promoted to higher-level domestic leagues and, eventually, top-tier professional competitions if their officiating is evaluated as meeting the required standards and criteria. To receive a FIFA badge qualification to officiate in continental and international competitions, a referee must be nominated by their national association and meet FIFA’s strict standards for fitness, knowledge of the laws of the game, decision-making, and overall performance. FIFA-listed referees must also pass annual fitness tests and evaluations to remain eligible for international matches, including the FIFA World Cup.
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