India's top FIFA assistant referee Uvena Fernandes announces retirement
India's notable FIFA assistant referee, Uvena Fernandes, announced her retirement on Friday. The only Indian to officiate in a FIFA World Cup final, she has stepped down from active refereeing career after a remarkable career spanning around two decades.
Fernandes' career highlight was in 2016 when she officiated at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Jordan, including the final. Her brilliant display during the tournament saw her scoop up the prestigious AFC Special Referees award the same year.
Moreover, she also officiated at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2018, two Asian Games and four Women's Asian Cups — one of the big highlights of international football.
Looking back on her journey, she recalls one game that was the most special: the final of the 2016 U-17 Women's World Cup, where she created history. She added:
"To me, every match is important. I have always tried to do my best in every match. The final of the U-17 Women's World Cup 2016 was the most memorable one because I became the first Indian to officiate a final of a World Cup and created history."
Apart from her accomplishments in refereeing, Uvena Fernandes is a senior officer and has served as a Wing Commander in the Indian Air Force, deftly managing the roles of a wife and a mother.
Her 14-year-old son is the strength that keeps her going and supports her all the way in her professional endeavors. She said:
“My son remains my weakness and my strength as well. He first watched me in a match, when I was officiating the Netherlands vs India friendly match.
"He saw me running here and then, and asked his father, Why are they not passing the ball to my mother? Why is it so?"
The Goa-born Uvena Fernandes started young on the football pitch, crowning close to a decade-long state career with an appearance for the nation in 2003, in the AFC Championship.
She has had a resilient life — going fatherless at the tender age of two, her mother went to work in the Middle East while she was growing up, developing her to be fiercely independent and strong-willed.
Uvena Fernandes to contribute as an instructor or assessor
Although Uvena completes her active refereeing career, she will still be a part of the Indian football set-up, with her new role being an assigned referee assessor and instructor.
She said that she wants to create a pathway for upcoming referees. After a marvelous career of 20 years, she was quoted as saying by AIFF:
“I have been a referee for almost 20 years. Since I have already done my bit, I thought the youngsters should also get a chance, and I can contribute as an instructor or an assessor so that I can do justice to Indian football,”
K. Sankar, the chairman of the All India Football Federation Referees' Committee, congratulated Uvena Fernandes as 'one of the best' female referees in India and wished her the best for her future endeavours.
She (Uvena Fernandes) e is still very fit but has chosen to retire. She will now work as an instructor or referee assessor. She is a good talent and has the required knowledge and experience. I wish her the best in the future.”