Jeddah: Referees from 12 countries have been selected for the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup, which will take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from September 23 to October 6. The list includes officials from all eight Gulf countries, as well as Morocco, Jordan, China, the Netherlands, and Portugal. According to Qatar News Agency, the tournament will also feature eight VAR officials, including Qatar's Mishari Al Shammari. Referees will begin arriving in Jeddah on Friday, with a four-day preparatory camp starting on Saturday. The camp will focus on technical and physical preparation, reviewing refereeing decisions, and improving coordination between match officials and VAR teams. Hani Taleb Blan, chairman of the Referees Committee of the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation, stated that the federation is committed to maintaining high standards of fairness, consistency, and technical performance throughout the tournament. He also acknowledged the support of the Saudi Football Federation and the local organizing committee i n preparing the refereeing teams.