On 14 June, sports website Marca published an article claiming that Fernanda Colombo, a 26-year-old Brazilian, is going to be the first female referee to whistle at a FIFA World Cup.
However, the claim seems to be untrue.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup website has a list of 36 referees and 63 assistant referees selected by the FIFA Referees Committee and Fernanda Colombo hasn’t been listed in it.
Fernanda Colombo Was an Assistant Referee in 2014
The Brazilian assistant referee ran the line in a Copa do Brasil match in 2014, as Sao Paulo smashed Clube de Regatas Brasil (CRB) 3-0.
Fernando found her line of interest after pursuing a degree in Physical Education. Despite not being able to make it in football, she was offered an arbitration course in refereeing, where she understood and contributed arduously in her area of work.
Her commitment and determination helped her to work extensively on her craft and escalate gradually, step by step. Fernando played in Brasilireo C and B before reaching A.
If I was not good, I would not be here because we are all professionals.Fernando Colombo
(With inputs from Firstpost)
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