The FIFA Arab Cup kicks off next week, with three New Zealand match officials called up for the tournament.

The trio attending the FIFA Arab Cup comprises referee CK Kawana-Waugh and assistant referees Isaac Trevis and Ed Cook. 

Collectively, they have nearly 50 years of National League experience, with their debuts being Kawana-Waugh in 2009, Trevis in 2006, and Cook in 2010.

This will be Kawana-Waugh’s fifth FIFA competition, Trevis’s third, and Cook’s first. 

“Our focus is on building consistent performances, drawing on the development and learnings from previous tournaments and seminars,” says Kawana-Waugh.

“Having attended past FIFA tournaments is a real advantage - the Arab Cup involves around 30 days in the tournament environment and daily routines can become repetitive. Therefore understanding how to manage ourselves through the challenges of day to day tournament life is important.”

The tournament forms part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 selection process, with our three match officials performing at the highest level on the world stage.

“Our preparation has been strong,” says Kawana-Waugh. “The three of us have officiated National League Championship matches together over the past few weekends. 

“We have also completed two weekends of VAR work in preparation for the OFC Pro League, which has helped us get back into the rhythm of officiating with VAR.”

The FIFA Arab Cup kicks off in Qatar on November 25. Watch live and free on FIFA+

Article added: Friday 21 November 2025