A real breakthrough. And a gesture that is much more than symbolic. For the first time, women will referee matches in the Asian Nations Cup, the next edition of which will be held in 2024 in Qatar, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced on Thursday.
Among the five female referees selected is the Japanese Yoshimi Yamashita who was also present on the refereeing body during the 2022 World Cup, already in Qatar. In addition, video assistance refereeing (VAR) will be used for the first time during this continental tournament which will bring together 24 teams from January 12 to February 10, 2024.
Japan and South Korea, who reached the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup, will be among the favorite teams, as will Qatar, the reigning Asian champion, crowned in 2019. To support the development of women’s football, the AFC announced last month the launch of an Asian Women’s Champions League next year.