Referees' exchange programme extended to women's football

The MFA Refereeing Department announces that the referees’ exchange programme has been extended to women’s football following an agreement with the San Marino Football Federation.

Maria Rosaria Speranza, assisted by Massimo Mattei and Giacomo Bianchini, has been appointed as the referee of the Women’s Super Cup between Hibernians and Birkirkara, being played on Monday at the Centenary Stadium.

Born in Naples, 34 year old Maria Rosaria Speranza has officiated in Italy for almost 20 years before moving to San Marino and making the grade as a top referee in the men’s top division.

Besides acting as 4th Official, FIFA Referee Esther Azzopardi will be officiating in the men’s top division in San Marino later this season.

The inclusion of women’s football in referees’ exchange programmes for domestic league matches is undoubtedly an important milestone reached by the MFA Refereeing Department.