The head of the Russian Football Union, Alexander Dyukov, indicated that referees from Saudi Arabia may soon be assigned to games involving Russian teams. His comments reflect a push toward broader international exchange in officiating, a topic highlighted by Sports Express.
Dyukov suggested that if Russian referees work abroad, it would be fair for referees from other leagues to gain experience by training with Russia. He specifically named Saudi Arabia as a possible partner. He added that if officials had the chance to oversee matches featuring high-profile players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and other global stars, there would be no grounds for objection.
On October 20, a Telegram channel named Chef-poVAR reported that local referees could soon officiate in Saudi Arabia, and that Saudi and other Middle Eastern officials may also take charge in Russian Premier League (RPL) games. Pavel Kamantsev, the RFU referee committee chairman, confirmed that by the end of 2023 many referees from the Middle East could be active in RPL fixtures. The idea, he noted, is to broaden the pool of match officials and foster cross-border expertise.
In spring 2022, both FIFA and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) suspended Russia from all competitions under their governance. Consequently, Russian referees have not taken part in international events since that period, limiting their exposure to global tournaments and the latest officiating practices.
In the Saudi league, several high-profile players with experience in Europe have joined the ranks, underscoring the league’s growing prestige. Names such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, Malcolm, and other well-known stars are currently plying their trade in Saudi football, signaling a new era of attracting top talent and elevating league standards.
There was earlier tension when a veteran from CSKA expressed frustration with the RFU’s proposal to invite referees from Qatar, signaling that cross-border officiating discussions can provoke debate within the sport’s Russian leadership and fan base. The evolving conversation continues to shape how international officiating might integrate with Russian football going forward, balancing the needs for impartial refereeing, integrity, and competitive fairness across leagues and competitions.