Two Iranian Referees to Officiate at Women’s Futsal World Cup
WANA (Aug 10) – The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has announced the appointment of two Iranian referees for the upcoming Women’s Futsal World Cup.
The first edition of the Women’s Futsal World Cup will take place from November 21 to December 7, with the participation of 16 teams, hosted in the cities of Manila and Negros in the Philippines.
According to FIFA’s announcement, Zari Fathi and Gelareh Nazemi from Iran will officiate matches during this tournament.
The Iranian women’s national futsal team has also earned a place in the competition after securing third place in the AFC Women’s Futsal Championship.
Fathi, who entered the field of refereeing in her teenage years, has become one of the trusted officials in Asian and global competitions through perseverance and participation in international courses.
She has previously officiated in significant continental events and now, by taking part in the largest stage of women’s futsal, will raise the flag of pride for both Shiraz and Iran.
Alongside her, Gelareh Nazemi, another prominent Iranian futsal referee and a well-known figure in the international arena, has also been selected by FIFA to officiate at these matches.
Her presence is a testament to her established reputation and long-standing contributions to futsal refereeing at the highest levels.
The simultaneous participation of these two Iranian women referees reflects the growing status of female officiating in the country and the trust of international organizations in their abilities.
The 2025 Women’s Futsal World Cup marks the first official edition of this competition. In addition to its sporting significance, the event is intended to serve as a platform to present successful female role models in the world of sports.
The presence of Iranian referees in this historic tournament is both a recognition of their professionalism and a source of pride for Iranian futsal, which continues to strengthen its presence on the global stage.
Zari Fathi and Gelareh Nazemi, Iranian referees of futsal. Social media/ WANA News Agency
