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Key Points

The AIFF has begun mandatory fitness testing for elite and national referees ahead of the 2025-26 season. The tests, conducted in Gwalior, Kolkata, and Chennai, include rigorous sprinting and body composition assessments. Trevor Kettle emphasized the need for referees to maintain high fitness and athletic appearance. The initiative aims to elevate officiating standards in Indian football.

Key Points: AIFF Elite Referees Begin Fitness Tests for 2025-26 Season

  • Elite referees must complete 40 high-intensity sprints in fitness tests
  • AIFF enforces FIFA-standard fitness benchmarks for officials
  • Body fat composition assessments ensure professional lifestyle adherence
  • Testing held across Gwalior, Kolkata, and Chennai for national referees
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Elite, national referees undertake mandatory fitness testing ahead of AIFF 2025-26 season

AIFF referees undergo rigorous FIFA-standard fitness testing in Gwalior, Kolkata, and Chennai ahead of the 2025-26 season to ensure peak performance.

"The professional game requires match officials to meet stringent fitness standards, and they are held fully accountable if they fail to meet our requirements. – Trevor Kettle, AIFF Chief Refereeing Officer"

New Delhi, July 9

The AIFF's Elite and National Referees, both men and women, have commenced preparations for the 2025-26 season by undertaking mandatory fitness testing throughout July across three test centres, Gwalior, Kolkata and Chennai.

For men, the fitness test matches the standards set for match officials officiating at the global level (FIFA). It includes six timed sprints over 40 metres within six seconds, and 40 x 75 metre runs in 15 seconds, with an 18-second rest between runs. In addition, Elite match officials undergo Body Fat Composition assessments to ensure adherence to lifestyle management and physical training standards, aimed at driving forward professional excellence.

AIFF Chief Refereeing Officer Trevor Kettle stated, "The professional game requires match officials to meet stringent fitness standards, and they are held fully accountable if they fail to meet our requirements. Additionally, I am driving all match officials to maintain an athletic appearance, which necessitates a cultural shift in lifestyle management, including diet, nutrition, and strength and conditioning training.

The fitness test, particularly the 40 high-intensity runs, is demanding, but those with the necessary physical and mental strength, which is crucial during matches, usually succeed."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As a football coach in Bangalore, I appreciate this move. But will they conduct similar fitness tests for state-level referees? Grassroots need quality officiating too. #IndianFootball
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Aditya G
Body fat composition tests? That's next level! But I wonder if our referees get paid enough to maintain such high standards. AIFF should ensure proper compensation along with demands.
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Sarah B
Great initiative! Though I hope they're providing proper nutrition guidance and training facilities. You can't expect world-class fitness with Indian diet (high carb) without professional support.
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Karthik V
️‍♂️ 40 high-intensity runs sounds brutal! But if this means fewer wrong offside calls in crucial matches, I'm all for it. Hope they implement VAR soon too!
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Nisha Z
While fitness is important, let's not forget mental training. Referees need better conflict resolution skills - our players argue too much on field. Cultural change needed on both sides.

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