IN the past, women had no place in men’s football in Malaysia but things are about to change when the M-League begins on Feb 28.
Female match officials Nur Akmal Anuar, Rita Gani and Nurul Ain Izatty Zainal have been picked by the FA of Malaysia (FAM) to officiate M-League games.
Although the three have officiated men’s friendlies before, the M-League will be a different ball game for them.
Nur Akmal said: “Yes, I am a woman. But I will not succumb to pressure and instead officiate matches by the book.
“I was excited when I got the call. It is a great incentive to keep working.
“I am aware that I will be among the three female referees in the M-League and will be closely watched by the media and the public,” said Nur Akmal, who has been picked as one of the assistant referees for today’s FA Cup first-round match between SSFC and Kickers FC in Port Dickson today.
The 32-year-old, who started refereeing in 2011, was assigned for Tokyo Olympic qualifying matches recently.
“I think there is not a lot of difference, because football is the same. Refereeing is the same, I would do the same I do in women’s football."
“I am not afraid at all. However, I will need to prepare myself mentally to handle negative comments from players during matches.”
Rita, 43, a policewoman, officiated matches at the 2015 Women’s World Cup and the 2016 Rio Olympics.
She was voted as Asia’s No 1 female referee in 2014.
Both Akmal and Rita are qualified Fifa referees.
As for Nurul Ain, the 22-year-old has officiated Tun Sharifah Rodziah Cup matches.