Manuela Nicolosi, a renowned football referee with over 200 professional matches under her belt, has spoken out against the sexist environment within the sport. She revealed that she was once advised to tone down her image because she was deemed “too conspicuous.”
“The most dominant soccer clubs in the world” – a video caption showcasing the top teams.
Nicolosi, who officiated at the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games, made history as the first Italian to referee a Women’s World Cup final in 2019. She also served as an assistant during Liverpool’s Super Cup victory over Chelsea.
In an interview with ‘Quotidiano Sportivo’, Nicolosi expressed frustration over how her image had hindered her refereeing career. She recounted how her superiors urged her to be less visible, claiming she attracted too much attention.
“At 45 years old, I almost gave up on advancing in my career due to being too visible. It’s disheartening to face obstacles based on appearance rather than performance,” Nicolosi shared.
She recalled facing harassment from footballers during her time as a referee, including threats from coaches and technical directors. Despite these challenges, Nicolosi remained resilient and focused on her career progression.
Nicolosi is now making history as the first female referee in the Kings League. She continues to showcase her commitment and enthusiasm for the game, despite facing adversity along the way.
