AIFF sets focus on match management and assessment standards for ISL officials

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The AIFF conducted a two-day workshop for 52 match officials ahead of the 2026-27 Indian Super League season. The sessions covered key refereeing decisions, video analysis, communication and standardised assessment guidelines to improve consistency in match management

Hyderabad: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) conducted the MG India Indian Super League (MG ISL) 2026-27 match officials workshop at Football House in New Delhi on October 7 and 8, 2026.

The two-day workshop brought together 52 officials, comprising 19 referees, 21 assistant referees and 12 referee assessors. AFC-accredited technical instructors and referee assessors Purushothaman Baskar and Sankar Komaleeswaran, along with instructor Rizwan ul Haq, led the sessions.

The programme focused on key aspects of match officiating, including penalty-area incidents, handball, tactical fouls, offside, disciplinary offences, player and technical-area management, positioning and movement, and reading and anticipating play.

Video analysis and case studies were used to examine match situations and decision-making. Incidents and performances from the previous edition of the MG Indian Super League were also reviewed to identify key learning points. Participants worked on improving communication, coordination and teamwork between referees and assistant referees.

The initiative was part of the AIFF Referees Department’s efforts to establish standardised assessment and feedback guidelines for referee assessors. Discussions focused primarily on maintaining consistency in decision-making and match management across the MG ISL panel.