Malaysian referee to officiate 2021 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup final

Malaysia's Suhaimi Mat Hassan has been picked to referee Sunday's 2021 Beach Soccer World Cup final between host nation Russia and Japan.

His selection as main referee was confirmed by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) hours before the match at the Luzhniki Beach Soccer Arena, Moscow.

Suhaimi Mat Hassan Dilantik Pengadil Utama Bagi Aksi Final Piala Dunia Bola Sepak Pantai 2021 Tahniah Suhaimi Mat Hassan dilantik sebagai Pengadil Utama bagi aksi final, Russia lwn Jepun, 12.30 tgh malam ini (waktu ??). Baca penuh di https://t.co/VKCA65gjU9#FAM #HarimauMalaya pic.twitter.com/Lk7PrbcUX5

— FA Malaysia (@FAM_Malaysia) August 29, 2021

It would be the 45-year-old's fifth game in any capacity at the tournament, after being involved in three group matches and acting as third referee in a quarter-final clash that saw Senegal stun five-time champions Brazil.

Suhaimi, officiating in his fifth Beach Soccer World Cup tournament, would be assisted by France's Sofien Benchabane, Italy's Gionni Matticoli, Egypt's Hany Farouk, and Oman's Turki Al Salehi in the upcoming final.

Russia, competing as Russian Football Union this year, have a chance to win their third Beach Soccer World Cup crown, while it is Japan's first time appearing in the final, with their previous best finish being fourth in 2005 and 2019.

Who will be the king of the beach this year? #BeachSoccerWC?️ pic.twitter.com/SAJU5yrhOt

— Stadium Astro ? (@stadiumastro) August 29, 2021