Xie Lijun becomes CSL's first female referee
After taking charge of the match between Shanghai Port and Shandong Taishan in the 2024 Chinese Super League on Monday, Xie Lijun became the first woman to referee a top-flight men's football match in China.
Xie, 35, is an elite assistant referee for the Asian Football Confederation. She officiated at the 2022 Women's Asian Cup and the 2024 U20 Women's Asian Cup finals, as well as multiple FIFA games. She was the only Chinese referee on the field at the 2023 Women's World Cup.
"In 2023, I was the only one to referee in the women's World Cup, and I hope to have more Chinese female referees participate in the World Cup," said Xie.
Before her CSL debut, Xie had studied for a long time on the sidelines. "I watch the CSL matches on the spot very often. Before this game, I reviewed the previous competitions between the two teams, focusing on the analysis of both teams' tactics and making plans in advance," Xie said.
"The rhythm of men's games is different from that of women's. I made adequate preparations in terms of physical strength and refreshed my understanding of football," she added.
However, Xie admitted that she was "slightly nervous" before the game. "But when the whistle sounded, I focused all my attention on the game, and the feeling of tension disappeared," she said, pointing out that her milestone marks a fresh start for female Chinese referees.
"It is quite common for female referees to officiate men's matches in European leagues. If we want to referee at a World Cup, we need to lay a solid foundation in men's football competitions," Xie said.
Related articles
How Camila Cabello has ditched her 'girl next door' image for a grungy edge
Many long-term fans of Camila Cabello may have noticed her recent rebrand, as the former Fifth Harmo2024-05-29College Students in Hebei Send Love, Warmth to Rural Children in Winter Vacation
Contact Us HomeNewsHighlightACWF NewsSocietyWom2024-05-29Event to Promote Love of Reading to Be Held in Kunming
Contact Us HomeNewsHighlightACWF NewsSocietyWom2024-05-29Discovering Ocean's Poetic Charms
Contact Us HomeNewsHighlightACWF NewsSocietyWom2024-05-29Cyclone Remal makes landfall, floods coastal villages
DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — The weakening tropical storm Remal flooded dozens of coastal villages and l2024-05-29Israeli army kills over 200 Palestinians, arrests 1,000 in Gaza hospital: Hamas
The Israeli army has killed over 200 people and arrested around 1,000 others in the Al-Shifa Medical2024-05-29
atest comment