FIFA picks 52 referees for the World Cup, including 2 women

MANCHESTER: (Apr 10) (AP) Two women will be among the record 52 referees officiating matches at the World Cup starting in two months.

American Tori Penso and Mexican Katia Garcia were on the list of referees announced by global soccer body FIFA on Thursday for the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Three women were selected as assistant referees and one as a video match official.

It’s the second time that female referees take part in a men’s World Cup — in Qatar four years ago there were three female referees and three female assistant referees.