Khamis Al-Marri

Khamis Mohammed Al-Marri is a Qatari association football referee and video match official. He has held an international referee license with FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation since 2010 and regularly officiates in the Qatar Stars League. Al-Marri is known for his precision and calm authority, whether on the pitch or in the VAR booth.

His recent career has focused heavily on video assistant referee duties at the highest level. He served as a VAR official at the 2024 Summer Olympics and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. In 2026, he became the first Qatari referee to be part of a FIFA World Cup final officiating team, taking on the role of Support Video Assistant Referee for the Argentina vs. Spain final. This appointment reflects FIFA's confidence in his judgment and places him among the elite referees in Asia. [edit]

Khamis Al-Marri was born on July 6, 1984, in Qatar. Details about his childhood and early life are scarce, but his journey into refereeing began in the domestic leagues. He worked his way up through the ranks in Qatar, officiating in the Qatar Stars League, the country's top football division. His consistent performance and ability to manage high-pressure situations earned him recognition.

In 2010, Al-Marri obtained his international referee license from FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation. This marked a significant step, allowing him to officiate in international competitions. The years that followed saw him gain experience in various AFC tournaments and World Cup qualifiers, building a reputation for accurate decision-making and composure. [edit]

Al-Marri's career reached new heights with the rise of video assistant referee technology. He embraced VAR duties and became a sought-after official for major tournaments. In 2024, he served as a VAR at the Summer Olympics in Paris. The following year, he was part of the VAR team for the FIFA Club World Cup.

His crowning achievement came in July 2026, when he was appointed as the Support Video Assistant Referee for the FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. This made him the first Qatari referee to be part of a World Cup final officiating team. During the same tournament, he also worked on the USA vs. Paraguay match as part of the VAR team. Earlier in 2026, he was appointed to officiate the Qatar Cup final between Al Sadd and Al Duhail, demonstrating his ongoing prominence in domestic football. [edit]

Al-Marri is perceived as a composed and reliable referee, known for making precise calls under pressure. His work in the VAR booth has earned him respect among players, coaches, and fellow officials. In Qatar, he is celebrated as a trailblazer for becoming the first Qatari referee to be part of a World Cup final officiating team. His calm demeanor and professionalism have made him a trusted figure in international football. [edit]

Khamis Al-Marri commands a specialized sphere of attention within global football, recognized deeply by officials and enthusiasts who track the evolution of officiating rather than by the general public seeking celebrity gossip. His career trajectory has placed him at the center of historic moments, yet his fame remains concentrated among those who follow the sport's administrative and technical advancements. iFANN's Global Fame Engine evaluated his profile in August 2026 and determined that he currently holds no placement in the published rankings, meaning he is not listed in the Global Top 1,000 or any specific scope list. While he achieved the distinction of being the first Qatari referee on a World Cup final team, this milestone has not translated into a quantifiable rank in the current global fame index. Consequently, there is no numerical position to cite for his standing relative to other public figures. Regarding his audience, research confirms that Khamis Al-Marri does not have a documented fandom name. As a professional referee rather than a pop culture icon or performer, he lacks an organized fanbase with a specific moniker. There are no records of fan clubs, dedicated hashtags, or campaigns where supporters call themselves by a unique title. The reception he receives, such as the warm welcome at Hamad International Airport, reflects national pride and professional respect from the Qatari public rather than the adoration typical of a celebrity idol with a named following. His influence is felt through his authority on the pitch and in the VAR booth, but it exists without the trappings of a formalized fandom.[edit]

Al-Marri has accumulated 233 recorded match appointments as a referee according to available statistics. His career path has shifted significantly toward video assistant referee duties, mirroring the modern evolution of football officiating. A defining moment occurred in August 2026 when he became the first Qatari referee to be part of a FIFA World Cup final officiating team, serving as the Support Video Assistant Referee for the match between Argentina and Spain. This appointment stands as a verified historical milestone and a point of immense national pride for Qatari sports administration. Upon returning from the tournament, he received a warm welcome at Hamad International Airport, highlighting the significance of his achievement. While he has officiated high-profile domestic events like the Qatar Cup final between Al Sadd and Al Duhail, these remain standard professional duties rather than viral folklore. No unverified stories of crowds shutting down streets or fans fainting exist; his legacy is built on precise documentation of administrative achievements within the sport.[edit]

Public information about Khamis Al-Marri's family is not available. He keeps his personal life private, and no details about his parents, siblings, spouse, or children have been reported. [edit]

Khamis Al-Marri is associated with the Asian Football Confederation and FIFA, having held an international license with both since 2010. He regularly works alongside other top referees, including Dutch official Danny Makkelie, who also served at the 2026 World Cup. [edit]

There is no public information about Khamis Al-Marri's romantic relationships. He has not shared details about his personal life, and no reports or interviews have mentioned a spouse or partner. As of 2026, his relationship status remains unknown. [edit]

As of 2026, iFANN currently estimates Khamis Al-Marri's net worth at $1 Million. This figure represents a researched editorial assessment of his financial standing based on his extensive career in international football. His income primarily stems from his role as a professional referee, encompassing match fees for both domestic and international games. Additional compensation comes from his specialized VAR duties at major tournaments, including the Olympics and the World Cup. While exact figures remain private, referees operating at the top level can earn substantial amounts, particularly for high-profile assignments. Al-Marri's consistent presence in the Qatar Stars League and his selection for global events suggest a stable and respectable income stream.[edit]