Referee Bui Thi Thu Trang and assistant referee Truong Thi Le Trinh were named in the shortlist of 750 candidates worldwide vying to officiate matches of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, according to the Viet Nam Football Federation (VFF).

Referee Bui Thi Thu Trang (centre) and assistant referee Truong Thi Le Trinh (L) (Photo: VFF)

The shortlist, known as the “Road to Australia/New Zealand” project, will be down to the final number of 56 referees and 100 assistant referees.

FIFA noted that the COVID-19 pandemic hinders various candidates’ performance as they have not officiated any matches in the past nine months.

In Viet Nam, however, women’s football tournaments were successfully held in 2020 as the country has kept the pandemic under control.

Such efforts not only ensure players’ top form, but also help female referees sharpen their skills, the football body noted.

This year, the VFF is set to host the national women’s football championship and two national futsal tourneys, boosting chances for female referees to continue their tasks, especially for Trang and Trinh.

In the next steps, FIFA will keep a close watch on the candidates’ progress through regularly sending reports to national football federations, calling for assistance from its members in choosing the best candidates for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

It also requires candidates to use FIFA World Cup’s liaison platform on a weekly basis to update information on their matches and attended seminars and training courses, along with injuries and special issues that may affect matches and their stamina.

Source: VNA