Uzbekistan FA announced the appointment of referee Kirill Levnikov for the friendly against Iran. The match will be held in Tashkent on September 30 as part of both teams' preparations.
The Uzbekistan Football Federation announced in an official statement the appointment of Russian referee Kirill Levnikov to officiate the upcoming international friendly between Uzbekistan and Iran.
When and where the match will take place
The game is scheduled for 30 September 2026 in Tashkent, serving as part of the teams' preparation for upcoming continental competitions.
Who is Kirill Levnikov
Kirill Levnikov is a UEFA‑accredited international referee with extensive experience in both club and national team matches. He has previously officiated World Cup qualifying fixtures.
Reasons for selecting a Russian referee
- Proven track record in international matches.
- Positive FIFA assessment of his decision‑making.
- Uzbekistan’s aim to raise officiating standards.
Levnikov is expected to ensure the match runs smoothly according to the Laws of the Game, with video‑assistant referee (VAR) support if applicable.
Impact on the two sides
The friendly offers both coaches a chance to test new line‑ups and tactics ahead of qualifiers. Iran will also gauge its performance against a Central Asian opponent.
Clubs and players welcome the appointment, noting that bringing in a referee from outside the region promotes transparency and the exchange of expertise.
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