FIFA has chosen two women referees from Iran, Gelareh Nazemi and Zari Fathi, to be in charge at the first Women’s Futsal World Cup in 2025 in the Philippines. This important appointment is the first time women referees from Iran will officiate at a FIFA World Cup event.
It brings pride to their country and shows the growing recognition of female officials from Iran. In a place where women referees have worked hard to be seen, this success feels like a fresh start in sports officiating.
[REPORT] FIFA’s Historic Selection
FIFA has said that Zari Fathi and Gelareh Nazemi will be in charge of the games at the next Women’s Futsal World Cup. This tournament will happen for the first time from November 21 to December 7.
It will take place in Manila and Negros in the Philippines, with 16 teams competing for the title. Along with the referees, Iran will have its national women’s futsal team on the court.
They got a spot in the World Cup by coming in third at the Asian championships. For FIFA to give this job to two women from Iran says a lot.
It shows that people are starting to trust Iran’s female referees more and see how much they have achieved around the world. This is not just another tournament; it’s the first FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup, a place for history with leaders from Iran in the spotlight.
🇮🇷⚽ Two Iranian referees at Women’s Futsal World Cup
FIFA confirms Zari Fathi and Gelareh Nazemi will officiate at the 2025 tournament in the Philippines.@presstvsports pic.twitter.com/U73ejMmACj
— Press TV Sports (@presstvsports) August 10, 2025
Trailblazing Iranian Referees
Zari Fathi started refereeing when she was a teenager and worked hard to move up in her career. She has been in charge of important events in Asia, and now, by getting to the biggest stage in the sport, she is showing pride for her hometown Shiraz and for Iran.
Next to her is Gelareh Nazemi, a famous person in international futsal who has done great things. Nazemi even refereed a men’s Futsal World Cup match in 2021, which was impressive because Iran has a rule that stops women from refereeing men’s games.
She has been one of the top 10 futsal referees in the world for many years, showing the respect she has gained worldwide. Fathi and Nazemi have broken barriers together.
They are not only running games; they are encouraging young people by showing that with skill and hard work, anything is possible. From local courts in Iran to the World Cup, their path shows young referees at home that any dream is possible, and no whistle is too far away.
The World Cup Stage and Its Significance
The 2025 tournament in the Philippines will be the first official FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup. This is not just another global contest; it aims to highlight women’s talent and make role models in sports all over the world.
Futsal, which is like a quick and smaller version of football, is now giving women a big chance to shine on their own stage. Also, Iran’s women’s national team will play in this World Cup, as they qualified as one of the best teams in Asia.
Having women as both players and officials shows how much women’s sports have grown in Iran. The country is showing that it cares about women’s sports, and this is making a difference around the world..
[TRENDING] Celebration and Hope Back Home
In Iran, people are happy and proud about Fathi and Nazemi getting their new jobs. State media, like Iran’s Press TV, quickly shared the big news on social media, and fans are excited about this achievement.
For many fans, seeing Iranian women in charge of a World Cup match feels as good as a last-minute goal in the final. People on social media are sending lots of nice messages, calling the two heroes for doing great things and exploring new paths.
Local commentators and former players say the referees are role models and “trailblazers.” They hope that their success will encourage more women and girls to follow careers in officiating.
This win is not just for two officials, but for all Iranian women in sports..
Amit Mishra’s Take
This moment makes me feel really happy inside. It shows that sports can go beyond limits and spark change.
Watching Iranian women referee at a World Cup is not just about the game – it shows young people that hard work can change the future.
