This assertion was made by AFC President Mohamed Bin Hammam while addressing the meeting of the AFC Referees Committee here at AFC House on Thursday.

The committee also heard the AFC chief declare his pride on the achievements of Asian referees on the world stage.

“As the AFC President, I am very proud because of the excellent performance by Asian referees in South Africa,” said Bin Hammam.

“This committee’s insistence on quality bore fruits as the entire world witnessed how much potential Asia has in terms of refereeing. Asian referees received a lot of compliments for their performance,” he continued.

“Asian referees did the opening match, semi-final and one was the fourth official in the final. They got these appointments because of their excellent performances.

“It has been proved that quality is the way to succeed and we will continue to insist on quality in referees’ education, selection and appointments.”

Bin Hammam called upon the members to strive for further improvement.

“The committee members now have added responsibility. We should not relax and should push for further improvement.”

AFC Referees Committee Chairman Yousuf Al Serkal echoed the AFC President’s sentiments saying, “We are proud of our referees and this would not have happened without the leadership of the AFC President."

He also gave credit to Member Associations and the referees who worked hard to achieve this goal.

Al Serkal requested the AFC President to recognise the success of four Asian referees trio during the AFC Annual Awards this year.

The committee approved the criteria for Member Associations’ quota of FIFA referees and assistant referees for 2012 and amendments in the selection criteria of AFC Elite Referees.