‘They deserve this opportunity’: Women referees to officiate for first time in FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar

Three ladies referees and three ladies assistant referees can be a part of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, set to be held in Qatar from November 21 to December 18.

Stephanie Frappart officiates in AC Milan’s recreation. (Courtesy: Reuters)

HIGHLIGHTSFIFA have taken an enormous step within the FIFA World CupThis would be the first time that girls officers will participate within the event2022 World Cup will start on November 21

In a historic step to be inclusive on the planet of soccer, FIFA has determined that they may embrace three ladies referees of their world showpiece occasion set to be held in Qatar later this 12 months. A daring step, contemplating that the even can be held within the Middle East, FIFA in an announcement mentioned that this transfer was has been very long time coming and the choice concludes an extended course of.

“This concludes a long process that began several years ago with the deployment of female referees at FIFA men’s junior and senior tournaments,” mentioned Pierluigi Collina, FIFA Referees Committee chairman.

“They deserve to be at the FIFA World Cup because they constantly perform at a really high level, and that’s the important factor for us,” he further added.

Three women referees and three women assistant referees will be part of the World Cup, which is set to be the last one for two of the best footballers that have ever taken the field – Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The event begins on November 21 and the final is set to be played in December 18.

Referees Stephanie Frappart from France, Salima Mukansanga from Rwanda and Japan’s Yoshimi Yamashita, as well as assistant referees Neuza Back from Brazil, Karen Diaz Medina from Mexico and American Kathryn Nesbitt have all been called up.

A total of 36 referees, 69 assistant referees and 24 video match officials have been chosen by FIFA for the tournament.

“As at all times, the factors now we have used is ‘high quality first’ and the chosen match officers characterize the very best degree of refereeing worldwide,” Collina mentioned in his assertion.