Rwanda official Salima Mukansanga is among the six female referees invited to officiate at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
A total of 36 referees from 29 countries for the 64 matches that will be between November 20 and December 18.
Mukansanga joins Gambia’s Bakary Gassama, South Africa’s Victor Gomes, Senegal’s Maguette N’Diaye and Zambia’s Janny Sikazwe as Africa’s representatives.
When did Mukansanga become a referee?
Initially started her sporting career with a mission to be a basketball player but she was discouraged from playing on the court which switched her focus to football.
The 34-year-old became an international referee for FIFA in 2012 and she has established her presence in the global sport.
How many tournaments has Mukansanga officiated?
She has officiated several competitions like the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Olympic Games, the Africa Cup of Nations, the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and CAF Women’s Champions League.
What is Mukansanga’s record?
In January 2022, the Rwandan became the first woman to referee at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon. She took centre stage in a group match between Zimbabwe and Guinea where she gave out six yellow cards in a commanding show of composure.
How many women will officiate at the 2022 World Cup?
Six women will officiate the global football fiesta in Qatar. Three centre referees that are Mukansanga of Rwanda, Yoshimi Yamashita of Japan and Stephanie Frappart of France. The other three women officials will serve as assistant referees during the tournament.
