Yoshimi Yamashita, one of three women who will become the first female referees to officiate at a men’s World Cup in Qatar, stated on Thursday that she hoped to encourage girls in the region to become match officials but declined to comment on the host nation’s poor record on gender equality.
When asked if she felt conflicted about officiating in a country that has been criticized for its treatment of women and members of the LGBT+ community, Yamashita stated that the tournament could encourage a shift in attitudes in Qatar and the surrounding region. “There are very few female referees in the Middle East, and I’d like to see that change as a result of the World Cup in Qatar.
The fact that women are serving as referees for the first time at a men’s World Cup is a sign to others that women’s potential is ever-expanding, a sentiment I share.
In a breakthrough for gender equality in football, Fifa announced in May that Yamashita, Stéphanie Frappart of France, and Salima Mukansanga of Rwanda would be among the 36 referees for the November and December matches in Qatar. They will be joined by Neuza Back of Brazil, Karen Daz Medina of Mexico, and Kathryn Nesbitt of the United States, who were named as three of the tournament’s 69 assistant referees.
“I didn’t think it would ever be possible to referee men’s games, so the World Cup never crossed my mind,” said Yamashita, who refereed the 2019 Women’s World Cup and the Tokyo Olympics last summer. She was the first woman to officiate men’s games in Japan’s J-League and Asian Champions League games this year. “As a Japanese citizen and a woman, I feel a great deal of pride and responsibility, so I will perform my best at the World Cup.”
The 36-year-old did not specify which matches she would like to referee, but she stated that she would continue to operate in the same manner as when she was registered as an international referee seven years ago. 80 days before the tournament’s opening match between Qatar and Ecuador, Yamashita stated, “I wouldn’t say being a woman has been an advantage or disadvantage.” “I can honestly say that I have never experienced sexist harassment on the field due to my gender.”
“As a referee, I see no distinction between men’s and women’s football. I want it to be considered perfectly normal for women to officiate men’s sports, so what is occurring in Qatar must continue. I’m under pressure to earn everyone’s trust.”
She had her first kickabout with her older brother when she was four years old. She stated, “I want young girls who are interested in becoming referees to know that our potential is expanding.”
“I can do what I do because I am aware that there are girls who aspire to follow in my footsteps. I would tell them, “Don’t worry; just focus on what’s immediately in front of you.”
