By Judith Gicobi
For the first time in the men’s World Cup, FIFA has chosen female referees. The historic call up is ready to take center stage for the first time in the tournament’s 92-year history.
Stephanie Frappart of France, Salima Mukansanga of Rwanda, and Yoshimi Yamashita of Japan will all have the honor of officiating at the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
After overseeing the 2019 Women’s World Cup final, Frappart handled men’s games in World Cup qualifying and the Champions League. She also officiated the men’s French Cup final earlier this month.
Rwanda’s Salima Mukansanga and Japan’s Yoshimi Yamashita are among the 36 referees training for the tournament’s 64 games, which will take place in November and December.
Neuza Back of Brazil, Karen Daz Medina of Mexico, and Kathryn Nesbitt of the United States are among the 69 assistant referees.
Unfortunately, no referees from Kenya have been chosen for the 2022 World Cup. Kenyan referees have been noticeably absent from a list of match officials chosen for the worldwide competition.
FIFA has snubbed Peter Waweru, Mary Njoroge, and Gilbert Cheruiyot, announcing today that 36 referees, 69 assistant referees, and 24 video match officials (VMOs) will officiate the event, which will take place from November 21 to December 18, 2022.
