The FA has committed to assisting the AFC over the next four years, addressing the confederation’s education and training needs.

The course was well received and AFC President Mohamed Bin Hammam praised the contribution of The FA’s Referees Department during the three-day workshop.

He said: “I believe the success of this course will contribute to the development of Asian refereeing across the continent.”

Ian Blanchard was equally positive about the outcomes of the course and said: “The candidates worked hard, shared ideas and were open to new suggestions and processes.

“I have no doubt that this project will be successful as the right people are involved in recruiting, organising and supporting this project.”

The FA’s Referees Department has been in demand in recent months by other national associations from around the world, particularly in South America, Asia and Oceania.

Fiji and the Solomon Islands will soon receive refereeing workshops aimed at helping to develop officiating structures to cater for youth football.