Another milestone for refereeing in Malta was reached recently when 18-year-old Stephanie Axiak became the first woman to officiate a Division One futsal league match between Siġġiewi and Birżebbuġa (3-4).

“Axiak was only 16 when she started her first season as futsal referee,” the Malta FA Referees Department said in a statement.

“Since those early days, she has shown tremendous commitment and worked hard, regularly attending training sessions, instructional meetings and seminars organised by the Futsal Refereeing Unit.”

Axiak was appointed timekeeper for the championship final at the end of her first season. She also controlled matches in a Futsal School Festival prior to making her debut in the Division One match.

Supported by experienced FIFA futsal referee Franco Cachia and timekeeper Esther Schembri, Axiak performed very well on her debut.

“Stephanie Axiak’s future looks bright and her debut in a Division One futsal league match will undoubtedly foster more interest among young women to act as match officials,” the statement concluded.

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