Qatar 2022: Six women referees set to create history

Photo: Salima Muksanga, Rwandan ref set to officiate at the World Cup.

By George Aluo

For the first time in the history of the World Cup, there would be women referees in action in Qatar.

One of the history making women is from Africa…Salima Muksanga from Rwanda.

One of the women refs is Kathryn Nesbitt who was an analytical chemist in her previous job.

Yoshimi Yamashita of Japan, Stephanie Frappart of France and Salima Muksanga of Rwanda are the three main women referees for the tournament, while Nesbitt, Karen Diaz Medina of Mexico and Neuza Back of Brazil are the assistant referees.

World soccer governing body, FIFA has made it clear that all six women referees must pass the same fitness tests as men referees whilst being held to the same performance standards as their male colleagues.

The World Cup kicks off on Sunday November 20 with hosts Qatar doing battle with Ecuador in a game that starts 5 pm Nigerian time.