Fijian referee Torika Delai, the country’s only female FIFA referee, is set to make her mark at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. She will join fellow officials Natalia Lumukana from the Solomon Islands and Allys Clipsham from New Zealand in this prestigious event scheduled from October 17 to November 8, 2025.
Delai has gained recognition in the officiating community, notably officiating a high-profile match between Australia and Slovenia last month. Her appointment to the World Cup underscores her status as a prominent figure in women’s football officiating. Since joining the FIFA officiating roster, Lumukana has been an assistant referee since 2019, while Clipsham received her FIFA badge earlier this year. Both have also participated in an all-female officiating panel for a men’s OFC tournament, marking a significant progress in gender representation within football officiating.
The FIFA Referees Committee has announced a total of 18 referees and 36 assistant referees from various member associations globally for the World Cup. Pierluigi Collina, Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, expressed excitement about this tournament, emphasizing its historical significance as it’s the first annual competition being held in Morocco over the next five years and the inaugural edition featuring 24 teams.
Delai’s inclusion is not just a personal achievement but illustrates a positive trend for women in sports officiating, inspiring future generations of female referees and athletes. The increasing visibility of women in roles like refereeing fosters hope for continued growth in women’s sports overall. As Delai continues her journey, she serves as a beacon of possibility for aspiring referees, demonstrating the impact of hard work and dedication.
Leave a comment