The FIFA Referee Cup, part of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, has been launched in co-operation and co-ordination between the Qatar Stars League and FIFA, and in line with the preparations and arrangements for the referees officiating in the 2022 World Cup matches.

This tournament is being held from November 10 to 26, 2022, at the Qatar SC Stadium, with the participation of 12 clubs, divided into three groups – Group A (Al Gharafa, Umm Salal, Al Duhail, Al Khor), Group B (Al Markhiya, Al Arabi, Qatar SC, Al Shamal), Group C (Al Rayyan, Al Wakrah, Al Sailiya, Al Ahli).

On Thursday, Friday and Saturday (10th, 11th and 12th November, 2022), the first-round matches were held for the three groups.

On Thursday, two matches were held in Group A. Al Gharafa drew 0-0 with Al Khor and Al Duhail beat Umm Salal 2-1.

On Friday, two matches were held in Group B, where Al Shamal defeated Al Markhiya 3-1 and Al Arabi defeated Qatar SC 1-0.

On Saturday, two matches were held in Group C. Al Rayyan beat Al Ahli 5-2 and Al Wakrah defeated Al Sailiya 2-0.

It may be noted that the first and second-placed teams from each group qualify for the quarterfinals, along with the two best third-placed teams in the group stage.