Woman referee Maria Rebello now in AFC Elite Panel

NEW DELHI - Goa’s Maria Rebello, who became the first Indian woman referee to officiate in the senior men’s National Championships tournament in July, has now been inducted in the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) Elite Panel of referees.

An elated Maria told IANS that she was excited at the prospect of officiating in the top women’s competition in Asia.

For Maria, officiating in a Santosh Trophy match between Delhi and Madhya Pradesh at Kolkata in July proved a stepping stone. An AFC official had flown down to Kolkata to watch the match and then recommended the 38-year-old former India international to the Elite Panel.

“It is a great honour for me. I am grateful to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for giving me a chance to officiate in a Santosh Trophy match. There will be no added pressure on me and I am looking to reach the top as an Elite Panel referee,” she said.

Maria joins Pratap Singh in the panel. Maria is the second woman referee from India after Bentla D’Coth to find a place in the panel.