Seminar for Young Referees Launched in Astana as Part of the KAZCORE Project

23 January 2026, 18:33

A two-day educational seminar for young football referees has started in Astana as part of the newly launched KAZCORE project. The initiative is aimed at establishing a structured and long-term approach to the development of refereeing in Kazakhstan.

The KAZCORE project is designed on the basis of the UEFA CORE programme and focuses on the comprehensive development of referees. The emphasis goes beyond improving on-field officiating skills and includes the formation of professional mindset, correct lifestyle habits, and sustainable high-level performance standards.

During the current season, four young referees have been selected to take part in the programme — Anuar Kazbekov, Eldos Kanaev, Kirill Tkachev and Stanislav Puchkov. The selection was based on several criteria, including the number of matches officiated in the previous season, proficiency in English, and an age limit of no more than 32 years.

The project instructors are former referees with extensive experience — Artyom Kuchin and Elvira Nurmustafina. They will accompany referees during selected matches and, following self-assessment by the officials themselves, provide detailed analysis of their performances along with practical recommendations for further professional development.

The Kazakhstan Football Federation has invited the Technical Director of IFAB and one of the founders of the UEFA CORE programme, David Elleray, as the Chief Instructor of the project. His involvement is expected to strengthen the methodological foundation of KAZCORE and ensure alignment with international refereeing development standards.