Referees ● Jan 06, 2019
Singaporean referees at Asia’s flagship tournament
SINGAPORE, 6 JANUARY 2019 – Singaporean referee Muhammad Taqi bin Jahari and assistant referee Ronnie Koh will be flying our country’s flag high at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup 2019.
This is Taqi’s second time at Asia’s flagship tournament, having been appointed as a reserve official in the 2015 Asian Cup, while it will be Ronnie’s tournament debut.
The 2019 Asian Cup will be held in the United Arab Emirates from 5 January to 1 February and will see a record appointment of 60 match officials. This year’s edition also sees the introduction of a new expanded format of play, which sees an increase in participating teams from 16 to 24.
Ronnie, who officiated at the 2017 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in India with Taqi, said: “Being appointed for what is dubbed the ‘World Cup of Asia’ is a personal milestone for me and I was delighted beyond words to be selected. I have an excellent referee and partner in Taqi and the experience we have gained from collaborating in past games will stand us in good stead for this tournament. There are no easy games in this top tournament and I believe every day will be a new challenge and brand new experience for us.
“I’m also fortunate to have the full support of my family and special credit goes to my missus. Without her, this would have not been possible.”
The Football Association of Singapore wishes Taqi and Ronnie all the best for their assignments.
