U.S. Soccer is proud to share that FIFA Referee Ismail Elfath, FIFA Assistant Referees Kyle Atkinson and Corey Parker, and FIFA Video Match Official Alan Chapman, have been appointed to officiate at the FIFA Arab Cup, a senior men’s international tournament that brings together some of the most passionate national teams from across the Arab world. First held in the 1960s, the competition has become a vibrant showcase of regional identity, featuring historic rivalries, dynamic atmospheres, and an officiating environment that consistently challenges the world’s top referees both on the field and in the VMO room.
Most recently hosted by Qatar in 2021 as a full-scale operations test for the FIFA World Cup, the Arab Cup is run under full FIFA protocols and serves as a key evaluation point in FIFA’s multi-year World Cup selection cycle. For referees, it offers a rare blend of cultural diversity, high stakes, and developmental value.
Reflecting on the appointment, Ismail shared: “Representing the USA and the U.S. Soccer referee family on the world stage is the biggest honor — it’s a privilege and a responsibility.”
He also noted the significance of this tournament within FIFA’s broader pathway: “Every referee’s dream is to participate in a World Cup, but one at home is extra special. This FIFA tournament in Qatar is a step in the long 3.5-year selection cycle conducted by FIFA.”
Ismail highlighted the crew’s long-standing commitment to excellence: “With my team of Kyle Atkinson and Corey Parker, we challenged ourselves since 2018 to go to every competition with a champions mentality — a winning mentality — where participation alone is not acceptable. We have to show that U.S. Soccer refereeing is top class. We aim for finals; our formula is to outwork everyone every training session, every match.”
Looking ahead to the atmosphere they will face, he added: “The FIFA Arab Cup is a very difficult tournament where teams have historical rivalries and national pride on the line.”
Ismail also reflected on the personal journey that brought him back to the pitch after a difficult injury layoff: “Having fought through a year-long knee injury, I’m ever grateful for the tremendous support I received from the U.S. Soccer referee department and the wider referee family. There were lonely days of rehab — so hard — the pitch seemed like a distant dream. But I love the walk-out, the smell of freshly watered grass, and the freedom the kickoff whistle gives. It wasn’t time to walk away yet. I have many more chapters to write, and next year’s World Cup is the best stage.”
This appointment reflects Ismail, Kyle & Corey’s continued standing within FIFA’s elite referee cohort and underscores the strength, resilience, and professionalism of the U.S. Soccer referee development pathway.
From all of us at U.S. Soccer, we send our warmest congratulations and our very best wishes to Ismail, Kyle, Corey, and Alan. Good luck in Qatar — we’re proud to have you representing the U.S. referee family on the world stage!
