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Taking center stage at the 9th installment of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, hosted in Australia and New Zealand until August 20, is a remarkable athlete who is rewriting the record books.
In this edition of the Women’s World Cup, history is being etched with each game, as women from across the globe embark on groundbreaking feats within the realm of sports.
Nouhaila Benzina, breaking new ground herself, has become the first player to don the hijab at the World Cup. Building upon these pioneering achievements, Heba Saadieh has now joined the ranks of trailblazers as the inaugural Palestinian World Cup referee.
Running from July 20 to August 20, 2023, the ongoing and forthcoming matches are igniting unprecedented excitement and fervor among fans worldwide, eagerly anticipating the outcomes that might crown their favorite team as champions.
But who exactly is Heba Saadieh?
According to FIFA, Heba Saadieh hails from Palestinian heritage and was born in Syria. Her journey led her to Malaysia in 2012, where she pursued studies in sports. Recognizing a void in the training of women referees, she made a pivotal decision, taking her talents to Sweden in 2016. Her commitment and proficiency paved the way for her involvement in officiating Women’s AFC Cup and Asian Cup matches, World Cup qualifiers, and even competitions at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Her strong affiliations with the Palestinian Football Association further underscore her dedication to the sport.
