Arunava about Football A look at football & the world through my eyes!
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In this episode of “It’s My Game”, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) shares the inspiring story of Heba Saadieh, the Palestinian referee who has carved a niche for herself on the global stage.
Saadieh, who has been a mainstay in the AFC’s roster of match officials, created history yesterday when she took the field as an assistant referee in the Group Stage match between China and England at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023, making her the first Palestinian, male or female, to officiate at the global showpiece.
Heba’s journey on the path less travelled goes back to her university days when, on the cusp of completing her education and already drawn towards football, she found her calling.
Watching referees train, it was the scarcity of women among their ranks that ignited a fire within Saadieh, propelling her to embark on her life-changing odyssey.
“After I finished studying Physical Education, I wanted to pursue a career in sports. I was already interested in football but when I watched referees train, I could see only men. That raised the possibility in my mind- women can be everywhere and can do everything,” recalled Saadieh.
Determined to take control of the narrative, Saadieh enrolled in referees’ programmes in Malaysia and eventually Sweden, and earned her FIFA badge in 2016. Since then, her indomitable spirit led her to break several glass ceilings, including blowing the whistle in the Damallsvenskan, the highest division of women’s football in Sweden and in Division 1 for men.
Prior to her historic appointment at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023, in the short while since receiving her FIFA badge, Saadieh has overseen matches in several high-profile competitions such as the final of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™, the AFC Cup™, and the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Costa Rica 2022.
“With more competitions and care from the AFC’s Referees Department and Committee, the opportunities for women referees have changed a lot. Thanks to the AFC, I have been able to officiate in some of the highest stages in Asia as well as the world,” reflected the 33-year-old.
“Education programmes are excellent in the Confederation. We are always kept updated on the latest trends because of which, we can see women officials from Asia in the top-levels across the world,” she continued.
Unconventional in every sense, Saadieh never needed a role model to fall in love with the beautiful sport but today, stands as a beacon of inspiration to an entire generation of women.
“Many Palestinian women have achieved great things but in refereeing, I was the first and that makes me proud and gives me a sense of responsibility to continue doing my job with sincerity.
“Sometimes to be under pressure is good as it helps you to keep working hard. Through my work, I wish to inspire young women not only in my country but also in my region and hope they will follow my path,” she said.
Launched on the AFC Women’s Football Day in 2018, the AFC’s ‘It’s My Game’ campaign continues to honour inspiring women in football throughout the world’s largest Continent, reaching millions of people via the AFC’s digital channels.
