

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s first female international referee was appointed by FIFA on Thursday, less than a year after the kingdom’s national women’s team made their debut.
Anoud Al-Asmari’s international badge is the latest in a series of steps in football by the Saudis, who have lured 37-year-old great Cristiano Ronaldo to the Saudi Pro League and are mulling a World Cup co-hosting bid.
“I am happy to be the first Saudi female referee to receive the international badge in the history of Saudi sports,” Asmari, one of eight Saudis on the international panel announced by the world body, told AFP.
Asked how she would feel about officiating a men’s game, Asmari, 34, said she wouldn’t give it any thought until it was approved by the Saudi FA.
Despite Saudi Arabia’s renowned conservatism, opportunities have started to open up in women’s sport including a women’s football league that started in November 2021.
The first Saudi women’s national team, coached by German veteran Monica Stapp, beat the Seychelles 2-0 in their maiden official match last February.
Saudi Arabia has applied to hold the Women’s Asian Cup in 2026 and is the sole bidder for the men’s version in 2027.
It is also considering a joint bid for the 2030 World Cup alongside Egypt and Greece. – AFP
more recommended stories
Iraq PM honors national team players with residential land, diplomatic passports
Baghdad: Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Al-Sudani.
Ronaldo, Messi roll back the years in nine-goal thriller
RIYADH: Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
HH Sayyid Theyazin Gives Directives to Operate Four Flights to Airlift Omani Fans to Basra
Muscat: His Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham.
25th Gulf Cup: Oman beat Bahrain to reach final
Muscat: Two-time champions Oman will eye.
Bahrain, Qatar to face semifinals in 25th Gulf Cup
KUWAIT: Kuwait National Football Team is.
Oman and Iraq qualify for semis of the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup
Muscat: Iraq and Oman qualified on.
Oman beat Saudi Arabia to reach semifinals of 25th Arabian Gulf Cup
Muscat: Oman beat Saudi Arabia 2-1.
Live: Oman Sports TV to broadcast 25th Arabian Gulf Cup
Oman Sports TV channel obtains broadcasting.
Oman National Football Team to face Iraq in 25th Gulf Cup Opening Match
Basra: Our national football team will.
Arabian Gulf Cup: Omran to Set Up Football Fan Arena at OCEC from January 6 – 19
Muscat: To mark the 25th round.
Leave a Comment