Japan’s Yoshimi Yamashita has made history by becoming the first woman to officiate a major continental tournament fixture. She has been named the referee for India’s opening match at the AFC Asian Cup 2023, which will take place on Saturday, 13 December.
Yamashita is one of five officials who will be refereeing at the Asian Cup, and adds to her notable tally of achievements thus far. She was the first professional referee from Japan, after earning her clearance from FIFA in 2015. She was also one of the six female officials named for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, also held in Qatar.
Yoshimi Yamashita becomes first referee in charge at AFC Asian Cup 2023
The Japanese officiated in the Women’s World Cup held last year, and was also at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup (2018, 2022) and the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Yoshimi Yamashita will be supported by assistant referees Makoto Bozono and Naomi Teshirogi when India play Australia in the opening fixture.
With rising recognition of women referees in the men’s sport, we are slowly starting to see a more inclusive attitude from governing bodies all over the world. The quality of officiating has been remarkable at international tournaments, and for women to achieve recognition at this level is a big step in the right direction.
It will be the second game of the tournament after hosts Qatar take on Lebanon in the opening fixture.
