PETALING JAYA, May 14 — Malaysia may not have qualified for the men’s or women’s World Cup but two Malaysian women referees created history by making it to the World Cup.
Cpl Rita Ghani and Sgt Widiya Shamsuri, both from the police, will be match officials at the Women’s FIFA World Cup in Canada from June 5 to July 6.
Rita, 38, voted the Best Women’s Referee in Asia in 2014, said her success was due to the motivation and support from various people.
“I must thank the Kuala Lumpur Football Association (KLFA), Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and Police for supporting me and providing me the opportunities to officiate locally and internationally,” she told reporters when met in Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya today.
The referee from Sabah has been officiating matches since 2004, and has vast experience at local and international competitions.
Widiya, 38, from Seremban, was among eight assistant referees selected by FIFA from Asia.
“I am proud and happy to represent Malaysia in the World Cup, after having gone through very tough selection process at various phases,” she said.
“My most difficult hurdle was the physical and fitness test in Zurich, Switzerland, because of the cold weather.”
Twenty-four teams will take part in the Women’s World Cup, which will be played in Edmonton, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Vancouver, Moncton and Montreal. — Bernama
