Uvena Fernandes, an Indian referee, is set to officiate at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup to be held in Jordan later this year. The event will run from September 30- October 21.
Fernandes, who also featured at Asian games in Incheon in 2014 will become the second referee from the country after K Shankar, who was part of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, to officiate at a World Cup.
“It is like a dream come true. It is a wonderful opportunity for me and I am excited to see myself officiate in a FIFA World Cup,” she told the All India Football Federation website after her selection.
“I am still coming to terms with the fact that I have been appointed to officiate in the U-17 World Cup in Jordan. It is not only a boost for me, it’s a boost for women’s football and women’s refereeing in general,” she added.
Fernandes represented India at AFC Asian Women’s Championship in 2003.
The former India international joined the Air Force Academy in 2006, going on to become a flight lieutenant and serving as an air traffic controller.
Fernandes, who is an assistant referee, came to prominence in 2012 when she was certified as a Category 2 referee by the AIFF, allowing her to officiate in national-level matches.
She earned her FIFA badge in 2014, the same year she went to Incheon, qualifying her to officiate in international games.
AIFF also congratulated Fernandes and said that it is an inspiring moment for Indian Referring and Football.
Indian Football might not be as popular as Cricket but with the advent of ISL and with the appointment of Fernandes as referee, the game will reach new heights.
AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das attributed it to the hard work put in for the development of Indian Referees.
Congratulations Uvena! he mentioned. I have been keeping track of her achievements and this will inspire more to take up Refereeing for sure.