In a monumental achievement for Fijian sports, referee Torika Delai has been appointed to officiate at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2025 in Morocco. This milestone makes her only the second Fijian woman to achieve such a prestigious role, with Delai representing a proud moment for Fiji and being the sole referee selected from the Oceania region.
Delai will be part of an exclusive panel comprising 18 referees and 36 assistant referees from various FIFA member associations. She will officiate alongside assistant referees Allys Clipsham from New Zealand and Natalia Lumukana from the Solomon Islands, forming an all-female officiating team from the Pacific. This remarkable accomplishment follows the trailblazing path laid by Finau Vulivuli, who was part of several FIFA World Cup panels between 2008 and 2016.
The president of the Fiji Football Association, Rajesh Patel, acknowledged Delai’s achievement as emblematic of hard work and dedication. He emphasized that her inclusion at this level of international competition is not only a personal triumph but also a significant symbol of progress and representation within women’s football. Fiji FA vice-president and Women’s Football director, Nazia Ali Krishna, highlighted that Delai’s journey is inspiring a new generation of female referees, showcasing how dedicated effort can lead to opportunities in high-profile officiating roles.
Earlier this year, Delai officiated an international friendly between the Matildas of Australia and Slovenia, further establishing her growing reputation on the global stage. Her selection for the World Cup is reflective of the Fiji FA’s ongoing commitment to empowering women as referees, coaches, and leaders in the sport.
As women’s representation continues to grow in sports officiating, Delai serves as a potent reminder of the possibilities available to aspiring female referees and athletes. Her achievements symbolize a hopeful trajectory for women in sports, fostering optimism for continued growth and recognition for female talent in the realm of football and beyond.
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