Football history will be made this September when Croatian referee Ivana Martincic becomes the first woman to officiate a competitive men's international match involving England. The 36-year-old has been appointed to take charge of England's UEFA Nations League clash against Italy on 23 September.
Martincic, who has been on FIFA's international referees list since 2018, will lead an all-female officiating team for this landmark fixture. She'll be assisted by compatriots Sanja Rodjak-Karšić and Staša Špur, with Portugal's Catarina Campos serving as fourth official.
A Trailblazer in Football Officiating
The appointment continues Martincic's pioneering career in football refereeing. She previously made history as the first woman to referee a Croatian First Football League match in 2021 and has officiated in several high-profile women's tournaments, including the 2023 Women's World Cup.
UEFA's chief refereeing officer Roberto Rosetti praised the decision, stating: "This appointment marks another important step in UEFA's commitment to promoting women in football. Ivana has proven herself as an excellent official at the highest levels of the game."
England's New Era Under Carsley
The match will also mark Lee Carsley's first competitive game as England's interim manager following Gareth Southgate's resignation. The fixture at Milan's San Siro stadium comes just two years after Italy defeated England in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley.
Martincic's appointment follows UEFA's increasing use of female officials in men's competitions. Last season, French referee Stéphanie Frappart became the first woman to take charge of a men's Champions League match.
The football world will be watching closely as Martincic breaks new ground in one of international football's most storied rivalries, continuing the gradual dismantling of gender barriers in football officiating.
