Italy opens its doors to referee Kateryna Monzul and on Sunday she will be on the pitch to referee the women's Serie A match Inter-Sampdoria. Italian football is united against the war and continues its relentless activity in favor of the Ukrainian population and its Federation by welcoming one of the best female referees in Europe to Italy. Like Stephanie Frappart, Monzul has already refereed several Europa League matches and other major competitions, both men and women. She will now be able to continue her refereeing activity in Italy. The synergy between UEFA, FIGC and AIA created the conditions to allow Monzul to continue her career, leaving behind the logistical difficulties caused by the conflict but, certainly, not the pain and suffering. Her debut in Italy is expected in the women’s Serie A and then evaluating the possibility of any further appointments.
"The European football family has a big heart and the Italian one is at the forefront in helping the Ukrainian population”, says FIGC President Gabriele Gravina. “The FIGC immediately showed responsibility by making itself available to the Ukrainian Federation for any need and taking charge the costs of membership and insurance coverage for young people fleeing the war who wish to play football in Italy. Thanks to UEFA, to President Čeferin and to Roberto Rosetti, who showed extraordinary sensitivity, and to the AIA, who immediately reacted, we organized ourselves to send another important message in favor of peace by welcoming Monzul to our team to allow her to continue to carry out her profession at a high level".
"The doors of the Italian Referees Association are always open to offer solidarity and help to those living in difficult times”, declares AIA president Alfredo Trentalange. “We are proud this time to give hospitality to Kateryna Monzul who comes from a territory whose population is experiencing a terrible war. We are talking about one of the most famous female referees in the world: a true model. We are happy to have her refereeing in our championships in the hope that, in the shortest possible time, she will be able to return to her country along with her loved ones".
“I am moved by the level of assistance that our Italian friends from the FIGC are showing us in such difficult times”, states the president of the Ukrainian Football Association Andriy Pavelko. “For Ukraine it is extremely important that our football can progress in some way even under dramatic circumstances. Kateryna is an exceptional referee who fully deserves this opportunity. I am sure she will perform well in Italian football. Thank you to UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin and FIGC President Gabriele Gravina for their invaluable support”.
Source: FIGC
