Female assistant referee to be seen in U-17 World Cup for first time

The U-17 World Cup will set a record of sorts as it will see for the first time a female assistant referee in a FIFA men's competition this time. 

FIFA, the world governing body of football, said it's time for elite female support referees to be involved in a men's competition.The FIFA said, for the first-ever time, they have selected female referees for a men's tournament. 

FIFA's Head of Refereeing Massimo Busacca said, the results and improvements seen in the joint preparations have shown the time has come for elite female referees to officiate in



men's competitions together with their male colleagues.

Seven female assistant referees from across the world, one from each continent, have been chosen by FIFA along with 70 male referees to officiate the 52 matches in the FIFA U-17 World Cup to be played in six Indian cities from October 6-28.

Meanwhile, 16 AIFF match officials, comprising eight referees and eight assistant referees, have been given a lifetime opportunity to train with the 77 enlisted FIFA officials who will be in charge during the U-17 World Cup.