Officials announced on Thursday that female referees will officiate the men’s Asian Cup for the first time ever in Qatar in 2020. Among them will be a pioneer from Japan named Yoshimi Yamashita.
In addition to being chosen to compete for Japan at the men’s World Cup in Qatar in 2022, Yamashita and four other women have been selected to compete in the regional tournament during the months of January and February.
“For the first time ever,” the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) stated in a statement, “women match officials are poised to make their debut at Asia’s most prestigious men’s national team competition.” “For the first time ever,” the AFC said in the statement.
According to the announcement made by the AFC, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system would also make its “full debut” during the event.
The number of countries competing in the Asian Cup will increase to 24 for the first time ever, and the hosts, Qatar, currently hold the title.
After advancing to the round of 16 in the World Cup in Qatar, Japan and South Korea will also be considered among the favorites.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) made the announcement that it would begin an Asian women’s Champions League the following year last month.