To implement the cooperation between the Chinese and Czech football association regarding to referee affairs, the CFA sent eight CSL referees to attend the league referee winter camp set up by the Football Association of the Czech Republic (FACR) in Cyprus, including five international-level umpires and three national-level ones, all post-1980 individuals with the youngest one at the age of 30.

Last November saw CFA Secretary of the Party Committee Du Zhaocai attending the unveiling ceremony of the first CFA European Youth Training Center at Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. The two football governing bodies have since implemented various programs of referee development and football management. The eight-referee training marked a in-depth cooperation in football affairs between the two sides, and a significant starting point of the “Going Global” strategy carried out by CFA Referee Management Department in the new era of China’s football.

Unlike domestic league referee training, the one organized by the FACR imposed a shorter pause between video tests, requiring referees to make instant decisions. The theory training included theory and rules introduction and the implementation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. The physical training focused on strength improvement coupled with treatment from professional masseurs. An English listening-speaking-reading-writing test was given to meet the need of improving their English language capability. During the nine-day training, eight Chinese referees completed all of the theory and physical training and passed the physical test.

A Chinese saying goes as the wise adjusts his conduct and strategies to adapt to changing circumstances. Since the conclusion of the 19th National Congress of the CPC, China’s football practitioners have deepened understanding in the guiding principles of the People's Congress and adjusted our mindsets and conduct accordingly. Building on opportunities generated from China's football reform entering a new era, CFA Referee Management Department keeps adapting to the circumstances in the new era and the new demand of China's football reform and development. It makes arduous efforts to learn the position in history and the profound ideological implications of the Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era in many aspects of its work, including VAR implementation, the “Leading Foreign Practice Introduction and Going Global” program of international referee exchange, the pilot program of professional referee, and the founding of the referee school. The CFA Referee Management Department is actively blazing a trail that is suitable for Chinese referee to improve their competence and fits into the nature of China with Chinese characteristics. The Going Global strategy will be further advanced by the CFA to provide exchange opportunities for more domestic top referees visiting western countries so as to broaden their visions and build a platform for their long-term development. (Correspondent: Mao Heming)

(edit：李鑫)