Fijian referee Torika Delai is set to make a significant impact at the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco in 2025, as she has been appointed to officiate at this prestigious event. This appointment is particularly historic, as Delai becomes the only representative from the Oceania region and only the second Fijian woman to achieve such a longstanding honor, following the trailblazing Finau Vulivuli.
Delai will be part of an elite panel consisting of 18 referees and 36 assistant referees selected from various FIFA member associations. She will be officiating alongside assistant referees Allys Clipsham from New Zealand and Natalia Lumukana from the Solomon Islands, forming an all-female, all-Pacific officiating team. This opportunity showcases not just her talent but also highlights the progress and representation of women in football across Fiji and the wider Pacific.
Rajesh Patel, president of the Fiji Football Association, expressed immense pride in Delai’s accomplishment, stating, “It’s the hard work and dedication of her, and we are proud of her achievement. We are sure she will make everyone proud.” Fiji FA vice president and Women’s Football director, Nazia Ali Krishna, emphasized that Delai’s selection is a milestone that will inspire a new generation of female referees in Fiji, articulating, “She is a role model for young girls across Fiji, showing that their place in football can be anywhere, including the center of the pitch.”
Delai’s appointment comes after she officiated a notable international-friendly match earlier this year between Australia and Slovenia, further cementing her reputation on the global stage. Her rise in the refereeing ranks also exemplifies the commitment of the Fiji Football Association to empower women in sports. It reflects a positive trajectory in women’s representation in sports, inspiring hope for continued growth and involvement of women in officiating roles across the globe.
As Delai prepares to step onto the international stage, her journey serves not only as a personal triumph but also as a beacon of inspiration for countless aspiring referees and athletes in Fiji and beyond.
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