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Asian Cup to feature European match officials for first time

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 24, 2026, 3:24 PM

Last updated Sep 24, 2026

Asian Cup to feature European match officials for first time

Summary

For the first time, the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia will include European match officials. A cooperation agreement announced by the Asian Football Confederation states that Lithuania's Donatas Rumšas will serve as the referee, assisted by his compatriots, along with Italy's Aleandro Di Paolo as the video review official. This development coincides with UEFA's invitation to Asian officials for the Euro 2028 tournament. The exchange comes amid recent tensions in global soccer governance, particularly following FIFA president Gianni Infantino's controversial proposals regarding World Cup profits.

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Key Details

•2027 Asian Cup scheduled for Jan. 7-Feb. 5 in Saudi Arabia
•Donatas Rumšas leads European officiating team
•Exchange agreement aims to strengthen ties between AFC and UEFA
•Asian officials set to participate in Euro 2028

Latest Updates

3:24 PMYahoo Sports — In a first, Asian Cup adds European match officials to work at Saudi-hosted tournament

What they're saying

"
The 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia will include match officials from Europe for the first time as part of an exchange agreement announced Thursday for the 2028 European Championship. Referee Donatas Rumšas will be joined by two assistants from their home country Lithuania, plus video review official Aleandro Di Paolo from Italy, at the Jan. 7-Feb. 5 tournament, the Asian Football Confederation said. Match officials from the AFC also will be invited for the first time by UEFA, the AFC said, to Euro 2028 being co-hosted by England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
— Yahoo Sports

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