Qatar Football Association Prepares Referees Psychologically to Handle Match Pressures

The elite referees camp of the Qatar Football Association continued its preparatory program for the new season, dedicating a portion of its training sessions and lectures to psychological and physiological preparation, as well as strategies for coping with pressure during matches.

Dr. Jessica Merenda, the Psychophysiology Officer at FIFA, participated in the camp, delivering a specialized lecture on Wednesday that addressed how referees manage pressure before, during, and after competitions, and how to achieve peak performance levels.

Merenda expressed her happiness at returning to Qatar, which she described as her “second home,” noting that she previously worked for five years at the Aspire Academy.

She presented an overview of psychophysiology and its role in helping referees understand their body’s and mind’s responses to stress, and how to control these reactions to maintain focus and decision-making abilities during matches.

Merenda has previously worked with referees at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, as well as with referees for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.