 Alexey became a FIFA-licensed referee just two years later, in 2005, at the age of 25 (minimal possible age for FIFA referees).His debut in international A-team level took place 12 September 2007 when Cyprus won 3-0 against San-Marino in EURO 2008 qualifier.In 2008, he was selected as one of the 19 participants of the UEFA Talents and Mentors program for perspective European referees.