Ukrainian referee Kateryna Monzul has been welcomed to Italy after fleeing the war and will officiate Inter–Sampdoria in the Women’s Serie A league this weekend.
Monzul is considered one of the best female referees in Europe, already officiating several Europa League matches and the Women’s Champions League Final of 2017.
As part of their package of initiatives to help rescue refugees fleeing Ukraine, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) paid to bring in several aspiring football players and also referees.
Monzul will be assigned to officiate this Sunday’s Serie A Women game between Inter and Sampdoria.
“We organised this to send another important message in favour of peace and to help our colleague Monzul to continue her profession at a high level,” said FIGC President Gabriele Gravina.
Arbitro donna ucraina #Monzul in Italia, dirigerà Inter-Samp femminile. #SportMediaset https://t.co/AFAMp457FK pic.twitter.com/glAWOvK0AA
— SportMediaset.it (@sportmediaset) March 15, 2022
OK, forza Inter women. Inter wins and then at the end all 22 players hugs referee. 🙂
Who cares who wins the game, this is just awesome to see!! I admittedly know little about Ms Monzul, but the fact she has refereed the UWCL Final speaks volumes about her pedigree! Hugs all around after the game imo well deserved