Three Trinidad and Tobago officials appointed for U-20 women's World Cup

Referee Crystal Sobers and assistant referees Carissa Douglas-Jacob and Melissa Nicholas have been appointed to officiate at the August 31-September 22 2024 Fifa under-20 women's World Cup in Colombia.

Their appointment was confirmed in a Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) release on June 20, with TTFA president Kieron Edwards hailing it as a "significant milestone" for female referees in local football.

The TTFA release said, "This development is part of a broader initiative by Fifa, Concacaf and the TTFA to promote gender equality and enhance the professionalism of women referees."

Edwards, who was elected TTFA president on April 13, hailed Douglas-Jacob, Nicholas and Sobers as "role models for aspiring referees everywhere."

"I am delighted to congratulate our outstanding female referees on their under-20 women's World Cup appointments," Edwards said. "Their tireless efforts and exceptional performances have been recognised on the world stage, and we are immensely proud of their accomplishments."

Last December, the trio was among ten local officials who were accepted to the Fifa international panel for the 2024 calendar.

"Their appointments to the World Cup reflect their incredible dedication, skill, and leadership," Edwards said. "Your hard work and commitment to excellence have set a high standard for the entire officiating community."

The other TTFA officials who were appointed to the Fifa international for 2024 were referees Timothy Derry, Cecile Hinds, Nikolai Nyron and Kwinsi Williams, along with assistant referees Kirt Charles, Ainsley Rochard and Caleb Wales.

At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Wales became the fifth Trinidadian to officiate at a World Cup.

At the upcoming under-20 women's World Cup, a total of 58 female match officials, including 18 referees, 36 assistant referees and four support referees, will take charge of the matches.

A trial of the Football Video Support (VS) is also expected to feature at the youth World Cup as Fifa continues to integrate the use of technology to help referees.