Fiji’s pioneering FIFA referee, Torika Delai, is set to showcase her talents internationally as she officiates the friendly matches between the Matildas and Slovenia tonight in Perth, Australia. This opportunity comes on the heels of her exceptional performance in the 2025 BiC Fiji FACT Final, reinforcing her status as one of the leading referees in the Pacific region.
Rajesh Patel, President of the Fiji Football Association, expressed his pride in Delai’s appointment, considering it a significant achievement for both Fiji Football and the nation as a whole. He praised her dedication and professionalism and noted that her role not only serves as an inspiration for aspiring referees in Fiji but also as a role model for women in sports throughout the Pacific.
“This appointment underscores the increasing recognition of officiating talent emerging from the Pacific region,” Patel said. “We are confident that she will continue to shine and make Fiji proud.” The upcoming matches at HBF Park, taking place today and Sunday, are historic in their own right, as they mark the Matildas’ first games in regional Western Australia, with Delai being the officiating referee for the opening fixture.
This milestone for Delai echoes a broader commitment within the Fiji football community to elevate the standards of officiating, which aligns with recent initiatives aimed at enhancing coaching standards and training for referees as evidenced by the recent startup of the National Premier League in Fiji.
Delai’s involvement in these international friendlies not only represents personal success but also signifies a positive shift in global perceptions of Pacific officiating talent, offering hope for future generations of referees and athletes in Fiji. The matches can be viewed live on FBC Sports, providing fans with the chance to witness this remarkable achievement first-hand.
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