Joya gets FIFA recognition
Joya Chakma has officially been recognised as an international referee by FIFA, the world football governing body earlier this month.
With the official FIFA recognition, Joya became country’s first female international referee. The Bangladesh Football Federation sent documents to FIFA after she, along with assistant referee Salma Islam Moni, went through fitness test in Dhaka in August this year.
“FIFA informed us about Joya Chakma on December 5 through an e-mail. Now Joya will receive FIFA badge, jersey and other kits within a few days. She is eligible to conduct FIFA and AFC international matches for the year 2020,” BFF referees’ coordinator and head of competition management Shahidul Islam Limon said yesterday.
Joya conducted 16 international matches at age-level from 2013 to 2016 and she is now eligible to conduct senior level matches.
“However, Salma could not get the recognition because of being underage. With the new rules, a referee requires to be 23-year-old. FIFA also recognised five male referees and seven assistant referees for the year 2020,” added Limon.
“I had been waiting for this announcement. It is a recognition of my hard work. I really feel good to become country’s first international female referee,” Joya said in her instant reaction.
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