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Women match officials impress
Kuala Lumpur: Japanese referee Yoshimi Yamashita alongside assistant referees Makoto Bozono and Naomi Teshirogi became the first all-female cast to officiate an AFC Cup match, featuring Myanmar’s Yangon United FC and Naga World of Cambodia at the Thuwunna Stadium on Wednesday. 

The Group F tie ended with Yangon winning 2-0.

This was the first time three female referees officiated in the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) club competitions, marking a new milestone in Asian refereeing.


The trio had to pass a demanding fitness test, matching the requirements for men officials before being selected and their appointment was a timely boost, as they are also part of 12 Asian match officials representing the AFC at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France in June.

Women Refs-Ceres

Additionally, female assistant referees Kim Kyoung-min and Lee Seul-gi officiated in the AFC Cup match between Ceres Negros FC and Becamex Binh Duong alongside male referee Kim Dae-yong, also on Wednesday.

Their selection showcases AFC’s commitment to celebrate women’s contribution to Asian football and it fittingly marks the continuation of the AFC’s #ItsMyGame campaign in 2019 where a series of videos will be launched in the coming months.