PTV - Iranian soccer referee Mohsen Torky has been awarded the Golden Whistle prize for his officiating during the 15th edition of the Persian Gulf Pro League, formerly known as Iran Pro League (IPL).

The 43-year-old referee received the prize during a ceremony held in Olympic Hotel in western Tehran on Sunday evening.

President of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) Mehdi Taj, FFIRI Secretary General Alireza Asadi, Deputy FFIRI President in Women Affairs Elaheh Arab-Ameri together with a number of Iranian soccer referees, coaches and veterans were in attendance.

Torky started to officiate in the Persian Gulf Pro League, which is the highest level of the Iranian football league system, in 2000 and became a FIFA listed referee only after three years.

Torky was named an Asian Football Confederation (AFC) elite referee in 2007, and regularly officiates AFC Champions League games as a result.

He holds the record for refereeing Tehran derby, which is a soccer match between Tehran-based professional clubs Esteghlal and Persepolis. Torki has officiated the derby seven times.

The 15th edition of the Persian Gulf Pro League started on July 27, 2015 and finished on May 13, 2016.