Ukraine, referee Kateryna Monzul who fled the war will direct in the women’s Serie A

“I would like to continue refereeing,” said Kateryna Monzul a week ago, after escaping the bombing of Kharkiv with her sisters and grandchildren. And her wish was granted by the FIGC, which helped solve the logistical difficulties of the Ukrainian match director by favoring her arrival in Italy and designating her for Inter-Sampdoria in the women’s Serie A. A new beginning for Monzul, 40, who is an established referee of international level, not only among the women where she was chosen in the past for the Champions League and World Cup finals. At the end of 2020 she had been selected first for Nations League San Marino-Gibraltar, then a few weeks later the call for the Europa League match between Gent and Slovan Liberec came, officially making her debut in Uefa club competitions and also becoming the first woman ever to do it with an all-female backhoe.

This year he has refereed Rapid Vienna-Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League, Copenhagen-Lincoln in Conference and eight Ukrainian league games. It is therefore understandable why the Football Association in the official note has opened the possibility that it also directs matches in the men’s division. According to the regulations, he could also blow the whistle in Serie A.

MESSAGE OF PEACE

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Gabriele Gravina commented with enormous satisfaction the inclusion of Monzul: “The European football family has a big heart and the Italian one is at the forefront in helping the Ukrainian population. The FIGC immediately showed itself responsible by placing itself at the disposal of the Ukrainian Federation. for any need and taking on the costs of membership and insurance coverage for young people fleeing the war who wish to play football in Italy. Thanks to Uefa, President Ceferin and Roberto Rosetti, who has shown extraordinary sensitivity, and to Aia, which activated immediately, we organized ourselves to send another important message in favor of peace by welcoming colleague Monzul to the team of Italian referees to allow her to continue to carry out her profession at a high level “. The president of the Italian Referees Association, Alfredo Trentalange, echoed: “Our doors are always open to give solidarity and help to those who live in difficult times. We are proud this time to give hospitality to Kateryna Monzul who comes from a territory whose population is experiencing a terrible war. We are talking about one of the most famous female referees in the world: a true model. We are happy to have her direct in our leagues in the hope that, in the shortest possible time, she can return together with her loved ones to her Village”.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS FROM UKRAINE

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“I am moved by the level of assistance – said the president of the Ukrainian Football Association Andriy Pavelko – that our Italian friends from the FIGC are showing us in such difficult times. It is extremely important for Ukraine that their football can progress in some way as well. in dramatic circumstances. Kateryna is an exceptional referee who fully deserves this opportunity. I am sure she will deliver an excellent performance in Italian football. Thanks to Ceferin and Gravina for their invaluable support. “