For the first time ever, a female referee, Edina Alves, was appointed in the 108-year history of Copa America. The South American Football Confederation, through its Referee Commission, has appointed a female trio with Brazilians Edina Alves and Neuza Back, along with Colombian Mary Blanco, to officiate the match between Bolivia and Panama during the Group Stage of the CONMEBOL Copa America USA 2024.
The milestone began in 2021 when Alves and Back officiated the match between Defensa y Justicia and Independiente del Valle in the Group Stage of the CONMEBOL Libertadores men's tournament. Both Brazilian referees have considerable experience, including being part of the first female designation for the FIFA Men's Club World Cup in Qatar, where South Americans led the way towards equality. Alves has a distinguished career, starting to referee in 2000 and rising through the ranks to officiate in tournaments such as the Women's World Cup, including the 2019 edition in France, where she refereed the USA vs. England semi-final. For Mary Blanco, this will be her second opportunity in a men's tournament, following her presence in a CONMEBOL Libertadores match. This commitment has been undertaken by CONMEBOL since 2016, aiming at the development and professionalization of more women both on and off the field, promoting gender equality in football and providing more opportunities for decision-making and participation in various tournaments.
Source: CONMEBOL
