PARIS 2024: Zambia's Chikotesha to officiate Semi-Final

Zambian referee Diana Chikotesha is set to officiate the women’s semi-final at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris on Tuesday. It will be the first time in Olympic history that three African referees officiate a semi-final.

The match will see four-time gold medallists the USA take on the German team, which triumphed in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. When the teams clashed in the group stages the USA side came out on top with a 4-1 victory.

Chikotesha, who was named the 2023 COSAFA Best Female Referee and recently officiated in the AFCON finals will officiate as the second assistant alongside Bouchra Karboubi of Morocco, who will be the central referee. Morocco's Fatihia Jermouimi has been selected as first assistant.

In a recent interview with FIFA following the announcement of her participation at the Paris Olympics Chikotesha stated, “It was one of my goals to work at this event one day – I was really happy to see my name on the list,."

“I'm very touched to be asked. It's an extremely competitive tournament, as all the best teams in the world take part. It's very entertaining and definitely worth watching and following, but most importantly, it will give me the chance to learn even more.”

The 35-year-old also spoke about her passion for the game stating, “I’ve loved watching and playing football since I was a little girl. In 2009, I decided to join a refereeing team and become a match official. I don’t regret that choice at all!”

Image source: FAZ.