Saudi Arabia: The international governing body of the association of football FIFA has appointed Saudi Arabia’s first female international referee less than a year after the conservative kingdom’s national women’s team made their debut.

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation produced a list that included Anoud al-Asmari’s name on it. The new referee is the only woman among the eight Saudis who were named to the international panel by football’s top governing body.

Al-Asmari’s international badge is the latest in a series of steps in football by the oil-rich Saudis, who have lured 37-year-old great Cristiano Ronaldo to the Saudi Pro League and are mulling a World Cup co-hosting bid.

As a result of reforms, particularly those led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, more opportunities have begun to open for Saudi women, including in sports. A women’s football league was established In November 2021.

Last February, the first Saudi women’s national team defeated the Seychelles 2-0 in their inaugural match under the guidance of German veteran Monica Stapp. Saudi Arabia has applied to host the Women’s Asian Cup in 2026 and is the only bidder for the Men’s Asian Cup in 2027. Saudi Arabia’s neighbour Qatar held the World Cup in November and December 2022.

According to reports, it is also considering submitting a joint bid for the 2030 World Cup alongside Egypt and Greece.

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