FIFA has officially selected Zari Fathi and Gelareh Nazemi—two distinguished Iranian referees—to officiate at the inaugural Women’s Futsal World Cup, set to take place in the Philippines from November 21 to December 7, 2025.
A Historic Appointment for Iranian Officials
FIFA’s recent announcement marks a historic moment for Iranian sports, with both Zari Fathi and Gelareh Nazemi being named as match officials for the first-ever Women’s Futsal World Cup.
Both referees bring a wealth of experience to the role. Fathi previously made history as the second referee during the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2021 Asian playoff between Vietnam and Lebanon, while Nazemi held the same position in the return match.
Tournament Details at a Glance
- Host Nations: The Philippines, with matches scheduled in Manila and Negros.
- Dates: November 21 – December 7, 2025.
- Participants: 16 teams from across the globe will compete in this groundbreaking event.
Iranian Women’s Futsal Team Also Qualifies
In addition to the referees’ selection, Iran’s national women’s futsal team has also qualified for the tournament. Their spot was secured by finishing third in the AFC Women’s Futsal Championship—a clear testament to their growing competence and stature in Asian futsal.
A Sign of Progress for Iranian Women in Sports
The dual milestones of having both referees and the national team involved in the world’s first Women’s Futsal World Cup underscore the rising prominence of Iranian women in international sports. These achievements reflect years of hard work, talent, and increasing recognition on the global stage.