All posts tagged: football officiating

A multi-faceted referee in Indian football

A multi-faceted referee in Indian football

Uvena Fernandes, a name synonymous with excellence in Indian football refereeing, recently announced her retirement as an active FIFA assistant referee. A trailblazer in her field, she remains the only Indian assistant referee to officiate a FIFA World Cup final, a milestone she achieved at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2016 in Jordan. A career steeped in passion for football Before taking up the whistle, Uvena was an international footballer, representing India at the highest level. “Football has always been my first love,” she told The Bridge. “After retiring as a player, I chose refereeing to stay connected to the sport. Becoming the first Indian to officiate a World Cup final was a dream come true. That moment, at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Jordan, was one of the most significant achievements of my life.” Her career as a referee saw her officiate in major tournaments like the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, Asian Games, and multiple Women’s Asian Cups. Reflecting on these milestones, Uvena said, “Every referee dreams of reaching the …