HISTORIC SELECTION: USA’s Nesbitt among 1st women to officiate at men’s World Cup

Dr. Katherine “Katy” Nesbitt of the United States has been named an assistant referee at the World Cup in Qatar in November, it was announced by FIFA on Thursday.

Nesbitt was among five game officials who are the first women who will work at a men’s World Cup.

Referees Stephanie Frappart (France), Salima Mukansanga (Rwanda) and Yoshimi Yamashita (Japan) and assistant Karen Diaz-Medina (Mexico) also will officiate in Qatar.

Americans Ismail Elfath (referee), Corey Parker (assistant referee) and Armando Villareal (Video Assistant Referee) also were among the 36 referees, 69 AR’s and 24 VAR named to work the competition.