Manuela Nicolosi, a well-known football referee who has officiated more than 200 professional matches, has hit out at the sexist environment of the sport and claimed that she was once advised to tone down her image because she was “too conspicuous”.
Technical errors or failed athletic tests are one thing. But to be stopped by being told “you’re flashy” is a big problem
The famous referee, who officiated at the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games, was the first Italian to referee a Women’s World Cup final in 2019 and was an assistant during Liverpool’s Super Cup victory over Chelsea that same year.
I almost gave up
In an interview with ‘Quotidiano Sportivo’, he complained that his image had caused him problems in his refereeing career.
I never gave up, that’s why it took me so long to forge a career…
“All my superiors told me: you have to be less visible, you attract too much attention,” she told Alessandro Belardetti.
Manuela Nicolosi, who is 45 years old, recalls that “in France, one year I did not move up from Serie C to Serie B because I was too visible. I was about to give up. Technical errors or failed athletic tests are one thing. But to be held back by being told ‘you’re flashy’ is a big problem.”
“I left Italy at the age of 20 because I realised that they didn’t want female referees. They let you reach a certain level, the regional level, and then they put obstacles in your way in every sense,” she confirmed.
Manuela Nicolisi acknowledged the harassment she suffered from some footballers during her career
Manuela Nicolosi revealed the toughest moment she experienced as a football referee.
It happened (insinuations from players), but I never gave in. I’m not one to dream of getting involved with a footballer
“I was refereeing in the Eccellenza league for Lazio and at the end of the match I barricaded myself in the dressing room. The coaches and technical directors of one team shouted at me: ‘We’re going to kill you, get out!’. I called the police, who escorted me out. I remember it like it was yesterday,” he recalls.
Manuela Nicolosi also acknowledged the harassment she suffered from some footballers during her career: “I prefer not to talk about it. I never gave in, that’s why it took me so long to forge a career… It happened (insinuations from players), but I never gave in. I’m not one of those who dream of getting involved with a footballer.”
Manuela Nicolisi, the first female referee in the Kings League
The Italian-French referee continues her career in the Kings League.
“New rules, new presidents, but always the same commitment and enthusiasm to be part of this incredible event as the only referee,” she shared on social media.
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