MARGAO
Women’s football may not be India’s forte in sports but Maria Rebello Piedade scripted Indian football history as she has been appointed Referee Assessor for the Under-17 Women’s World Cup to be played in India from October 11- 30.
She will report at Mumbai on October 5 for the pre-tournament seminar and will officiate the matches at Bhubaneswar, Odisha till October 22, according to communication sent to Goa Football Association (GFA) by Ravi Shankar, Director of Referees at All India Football Federation.
Lauding Maria’s appointment, GFA president Antonio Pango said, “This shows that women’s refereeing in India is on the right path and Maria’s achievement is something which will act as inspiration for other girls aspiring to be future referees.”
“Maria deserves it. It’s a recognition of her dedication to what she loves the best. She is a role model to several girls who can take to the profession of refereeing.
A professional that she is, I have seen her work from close range being the former director of SAG. I always knew she had the potential to scale greater heights,” said Elvis Gomes, former GFA president.
“It's a matter of pride that our former international player captain turned FIFA referee and now AFC referee assessor has got the world cup assignment. Thanks to AFC for giving her recognition; it's a great honour to AIFF,” Walter Pereira, ex-FIFA assistant referee, said.
“She came into this position because of her dedication and hard work. She’s a good example for all up-and-coming women players and referees,” said Shabir Ali, former football coach.
