Esther Staubli becomes first female referee to officiate FIFA U-17 World Cup match

In line with FIFA’s objective to further develop women’s football, a new milestone has been achieved as Esther Staubli became first female referee to officiate a match at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in India. Esther, who hails from Bern, officiated the match between Japan and New Caledonia at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. (Express photo by Partha Paul)

As for the U-17 World Cup, Staubli is one of seven female referees invited to the tournament. (Express photo by Partha Paul)

Esther Staubli also teaches at an agricultural school in Bern, Switzerland. The 38-year old says it is not possible to live from refereeing and thus she teaches in the school. Staubli has been on the FIFA International Referees List since 2006. (Express photo by Partha Paul)

Staubli along with the six women referees has completed a host of activities together in a series of seminars, including theoretical sessions in the classroom and practical sessions on the field of play. (Express photo by Partha Paul)

Seven Women referee selected by FIFA for the U-17 World Cup are: Esther Staubli, Kateryna Monzul, Anna-marie Keighley, Claudia Umpierrez, Carol Anne Chenard, Gladys Lengwe, RI Hyang Ok. (Express photo by Partha Paul)

Esther Staubli was the fourth official at the Iraq versus Chile match in Kolkata on Wednesday. (Express photo by Partha Paul)

Esther Staubli was also appointed to take charge of the Women’s EURO 2017 final between the Netherlands and Denmark. (Express photo by Partha Paul)