Ref Maria passes test, scripts new chapter in Indian football

PANJIM, JULY 25
FIFA referee Maria Rebello of Curtorim acquitted with credit as she underwent her first test of supervising the senior men’s match in Santosh Trophy National Football Championship between Delhi and MP in Kolkata on Sunday.
Maria thus created history, as she became the first women in India to referee at a senior national men’s football event under the AIFF.
“Certainly there was a little pressure, not from the players, but because I was being assessed by the AFC official who had air-dashed from Kuala Lumpur,” stated Maria from Kolkota.
“The AFC official was overall pleased with my performance. He felt that I had exercised adequate control. He appreciated my capabilities in handling the proceedings and suggested some measures in some areas which I need to improve further,” expressed Maria on a highly jovial mood.
“I did referee Under-19 boys matches in Kolkata. But this was a very special one, as I was officiating a senior men’s match. The match went off without any problems. I had to pull out the yellow card four times to keep the proceedings under control. The assistant referees, all men, gave me plenty of support and I am happy that it was a perfect team work,” stated an elated Maria.
Meanwhile, Ezilda Sapeco, chairperson, Goa State Women’s Commission congratulated Maria on opening a new chapter in India football as she became the first woman to referee a senior men’s match recognized by the AIFF.
“It’s a proud moment for Goa. It only showed that women are as capable as men as far as refereeing men’s football matches, which was so far the domain of only men. Maria should pursue her career with dedication and single-minded devotion so that not only the AFC takes notice but even FIFA selects her for officiating at the world level,” remarked Ezilda.
Meanwhile, former International player and Olympian referee Bentla D’Coth, hailing from Kerala, has become the first Indian woman referee to be selected for the FIFA Futro III Referee’s Instructor Course to be held in Kathmandu from August 1 to 6.
   Bentla, who is in the AFC’s Elite Referee’s panel from 2001 to 2010, had officiated many international and national championships including the Under-19 and Under-20 Women’s World Cup, Olympics, Asia Cup, Asian Games, South East Asia Games and EAFF Championship.