Saudi Referee Reem Al-Bishi Selected for FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup in the Philippines
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – In a historic achievement for Saudi sports, referee Reem Al-Bishi has been appointed to officiate at the upcoming FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup, set to take place in the Philippines from December 1 to December 10, 2023. Al-Bishi will be one of only three female referees from the Arab world to participate in the prestigious tournament.
Al-Bishi’s selection comes as a reflection of the growing prominence of women in Saudi Arabia’s sports sector, following the Kingdom’s commitments to promoting gender equality in athletics. The decision highlights the increasing recognition of female referees globally, with FIFA reporting that only 20% of referees across all tournaments are women.
The tournament will feature 16 teams battling it out over ten days, with matches scheduled across various venues in the Philippines. Al-Bishi expressed her excitement about representing Saudi Arabia on such a significant platform, stating, “This is not just a personal milestone; it is a victory for all women in sports.”
With women’s futsal gaining momentum worldwide—evidenced by a 30% increase in female participation in futsal leagues in the last five years—Al-Bishi’s role is pivotal in inspiring future generations of female athletes and officials. The FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup underscores the global shift towards inclusivity in sports, and Al-Bishi is poised to make a significant impact.
As the tournament approaches, the sports community eagerly anticipates the contributions of referees like Al-Bishi, who are breaking barriers and setting precedents for women in the competitive arena of futsal.