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IKOLI VICTOR
DOha
Pierluigi Collina, chairman of the FIFA referees committee, was in Doha at the conclusion of the Referee Candidate Seminar for the FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019 in Doha on Friday. Thirty-three of the world's best referees from across the world representing all 6 confederations and 56 countries participated.
The five-day seminar was to allow the referees to prepare as a team in the build-up to the tournament. Candidate referees took the opportunity during the preparation period to convince the members of the FIFA Referees Committee of their skills before the final assignments are made for France 2019.
During his career, Collina officiated so competently that he was voted the world's best referee for six consecutive years from 1998 to 2003. The Italian redefined the role and became the first celebrity referee.
Just as Collina was determined to do his absolute best while he was a referee, he is now driven to bring out the best in the next generation of officials.
"You have to help FIFA create a new generation of referees for the future. You need to help them to grow up with all the skills and techniques that you have learnt when you return home," he said.
The FIFA official said that the seminar has confirmed to him that women referees also undergo the same tests and preparations as their male counterparts and follow the same criteria used for evaluation. He added that only a limited number of match officials will be selected to officiate in the FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019 and this will be based on their fitness, technical ability and football understanding.
The Italian shared memories of his first major international competition; he was allotted five matches at the 1996 Olympic Games, including the final between Nigeria and Argentina.
Speaking about the seminar, Mukansanga Salima from Rwanda said:"The seminar was fruitful because we have learnt a lot, improving our knowledge. It was a luggage week of activities that we would put into action in our federations and confederations. I'm going to do our best because it's an opportunity to be here."
Asked if she felt she would be selected for France 2019, the Rwanda referee said:"I can't say because it is a long process with a lot exams, physical trainings and technical expectations. I've been doing my best and I hope to make the final cut."
"It was a dream come true to meet Collina in person and I will keep the memories of what I have learnt from Qatar," she added.
Venegas Lucila from Mexico said:"It was really a hard week but it was interesting and fruitful. There was a lot we did that would be helpful on the pitch. I hope to be selected for France 2019. I have to work to achieve my targets. If I want more, I have to do more."
"It is the first time I met Collina and I am excited about it. I have gained more experience from every single session at the seminar," she said.
