When Tori Penso blew the whistle to signal the start of the clash between the Czech Republic and South Africa in Atlanta, it was not just the start of another group stage match. History was being made as women took center stage at football’s biggest event. Along with assistant referees Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt, Penso became only the second woman to referee a men’s World Cup, following in the footsteps of French referee Stephanie Frappart at the Qatar 2022 World Cup.For more than 90 years, there have been no women refereeing at the highest level of the game at the FIFA World Cup. Now there are six of them in one edition, all ready to prove that they are as good as anyone else in the business. This is women’s empowerment in the truest sense of the word.Penso came up with a flawless performance. Her anticipation was good. She was in the right position, at the right time, and numerous short sprints showed that her condition is at the highest level. It looks easy on TV, but the stop-run, stop-run action requires a lot of effort. It’s a tax. But when counterattacking, it’s easy to run some distance at the same pace.
This is a big move for women judges. The professionalization of women’s refereeing played a large factor in the new ability of female referees to referee at the highest level. Kudos to FIFA for making the right choice, after intensive training, workshops and mentoring over the years. Kudos to them for trusting women to give birth to them.They made the right choice.Penso was among the best officials in the world. But having been a referee evaluator and referee instructor myself for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), I’m sure she must have worked hard for that. You will be surprised to know that the focus on the World Cup, the pinnacle of every athlete, is so much that you cannot even afford a small picnic. Your fitness is monitored every day.It is not only physical preparation that is needed. You must have a thorough understanding of the game. With the world watching, there is no room for error.You also have to have the right mentality. Fitness is achieved through rigorous training, you can read the rules of the game, but mentality cannot be practiced. It is within you; everything is in your hands, that is, your mind. At the highest level, that’s what matters most.I am glad that it was a flawless game by the team of officials. They set the bar high and proved that women can referee at the highest level. Of course, it is not easy for a woman in a man’s game, but if there is an example of how well women can do the job, it was right in front of us. Penso is an inspiration to female judges around the world.This won’t be the only time you’ll see female referees at the Men’s World Cup. Penso and others have ensured that there is more to come.(Former Indian captain and FIFA referee, Maria Rebello spoke to Marcus Mergulha)
