Love Football

A female referee will officiate a men's game later in a World Cup First - and it's giving one ambitious young match official confidence in her future.

" It just makes The Path way more clear, " says Jawahir Roble , known as JJ.

The 27-year-old made history herself when she became the UK's First female Muslim referee in 2020.

JJ spoke to BBC Newsbeat ahead of Stephanie Frappart Taking Charge of Germany v Costa Rica later.

She dreams of officiating a World Cup or Premiere League match herself.

And, thanks to Stephanie, JJ says she can't see anything holding her Back .

" I know if I keep working out, I will get it, " JJ says. " There is no stopping now. "

JJ was just 10 when she moved to London as a refugee with her family after fleeing Civil War in Somalia.

She grew to Love Football after living a stone's throw from Wembley Stadium and originally held dreams of playing herself.

" If you're a referee, you have The Best seat on The Pitch , " she says. " It still lets me stay involved in football. "

Stephanie, from France, will be joined by assistant referees - Brazilian Neuza Back and Mexican Karen Diaz Medina - at Al Bayt Stadium.

Together they will form The First all-female on-field officiating team in the history of The Tournament .

Stephanie told The Bbc it was a good development not only for referees, but for women too.

" Women are taking more and more responsibility In Society , in the industry, " she says. " It's a good sign to see women in The Men 's World Cup . "

While JJ says she's got " a long way to go" before she'll be refereeing The Top league matches, " it's not a bad start" she says of her career So Far .

" I'm on My Way , " she says. " It might take a bit longer but I'm not too far. "

JJ hopes The Tournament will go some way to improving women's rights in host country Qatar.

The Gulf state, which follows strict Muslim laws, for its ban on same-sex relationships, women's rights and its treatment of migrant workers.

" It does Make Me feel sad, " says JJ. " But we have seen a lot of female supporters in stadiums and I hope they change their mind and support women. "

For now, she wants to inspire more women to get involved in refereeing and sport.

" I want to keep inspiring girls all around The World , " she says.

" It's not About Men or women. It's about whoever works hard and sticks to their dream and makes it happen. "

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Source of news: bbc.com