Our talents and mentors programme: Helping Europe's top officials thrive
Friday, March 27, 2026
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Two of the continent's up-and-coming referees – Finland's Mohammed Al-Emara and Sander van der Eijk of Netherlands – explain how UEFA's initiative has prepared them for the next level in their careers.
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"Ever since I started refereeing, I've dreamed of hearing the UEFA Champions League anthem – it gives me goosebumps just thinking about it," said Sander van der Eijk.
The Dutchman's wish continues to move closer to reality. Already this season he has officiated multiple UEFA matches, recently taking the whistle for GNK Dinamo Zagreb-FCSB in the UEFA Europe League and for Sigma Olomouc's UEFA Conference League knockout play-off first leg against Lausanne-Sport.
Van der Eijk's appearances are perhaps no surprise given he has spent the past year on our talents and mentors programme. By nurturing up-and-coming match officials, notably by pairing them with experienced mentors, the initiative plays a vital role in our efforts to maintain the highest standard of elite refereeing across Europe.
Inspiring multi-faceted development
At least twice a month, programme participants conduct self-assessments of their most recent on-field performances alongside their mentor.
"As soon as I heard I'd been selected, I saw it as more than a chance to develop as a referee – it was also an opportunity to evolve as a person and to understand the game on a deeper level," explained Finland's Mohammed Al-Emara, who has been mentored by 2006 Champions League final referee Terje Hauge.
"The support ensures referees across Europe grow together, share experiences and raise the overall standard of refereeing."
"My mentor supports me not only in technical and tactical aspects, but also in leadership and managing pressure. It's helped me see the bigger picture through honest and constructive self-analysis."
Van der Eijk, advised by Serbian Milorad Mažić, agreed: "What inspired me most was the approach to learning. Refereeing is sometimes reduced to decision-making and whether you've made a mistake or not, but this course is focused on wider development, educating us on what UEFA looks for in top referees."
'A powerful investment'
Our network of referee observers recommends potential candidates for the talents and mentors programme by monitoring the performance of match officials across the continent.
"Refereeing today requires the same level of professionalism and preparation as playing at the highest level," said Al-Emara. "UEFA's commitment to developing referees shows that they truly value us. Their support ensures referees across Europe grow together, share experiences and raise the overall standard of refereeing. It's a powerful investment in the future of the game.
"My dream is to reach the very top of world football," Al-Emara added. "I want to keep improving every day and push myself to the highest possible level."
This article originally appeared in the UEFA Annual Report 2024/25.