Report by
Konstantin Serikov - Uzbek Futsal AssociationReferees are improving in UzbekistanAFC inspector
Saminaten Marimutu visited Uzbekistan to follow the work of FIFA referee
Shukhrat Pulatov. AFC and Uzbekistan pin their hopes with Pulatov and the Asian football governing body is reviewing work of the Uzbek referee for the second time.
Saminaten Marimutu of Malaysia said: "During my visit to Uzbekistan, I followed the work of Shukhrat and some other referees and I should note that the Uzbek referees looks good."
Uzbekistan has one of the strongest futsal leagues in Asia and the referees' level will increase further due to this fact, he said. The only shortage is inexistence of mass character in the league matches.
Marimutu said that despite low number of fans at stadiums, futsal will have great future in Uzbekistan.
Speaking about main aim of his visit, AFC official said he was satisfied with work of Shukhrat Pulatov and most likely the Uzbek referee will be invited to the Asian Championship.
Marimutu noted that level of referees in Asia is growing. He cited as an example that four Asian referees were invited to World Cup 2004, while the number doubled in 2008. Besides, Nurdin Bukuev from Kyrgyzstan worked in semifinal stage, he added.
Uzbek Referee Shuhrat Pulatov with AFC instructor Saminaten Marimutu (Photo courtesy: Uzbek Futsal Association)
Controlling the game: referees are a basic part of futsal, and just professional "victims" and chronic complainers can deny it (Photo courtesy: Uzbek Futsal Association)
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Luca Ranocchiari -->
luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com
