Referee, Joanna Charaktis, helped get female Afghan footballers out of Kabul

·

Australian referee, Joanna Charaktis, was sitting in lockdown in Melbourne when she saw over the news how the Taliban rapidly took control of Afghanistan after capturing its capital city, Kabul.

Speaking with the ABC’s Samantha Lewis, she says she instantly reached out to a Facebook friend from Afghanistan who was heavily involved in football and ended up helping her find a way out of the country.

Assistant referees Joanna Charaktis (right) and Danielle Andersen (second right) walk onto the pitch for a W-League game. Photo: Football Victoria.

“I spoke to my mentor, [referee] Allyson Flynn, and told her the story. She had just been included in a mentoring program with Women Onside and had been paired with [former Matilda] Moya Dodd,” she told ABC News.

“She [Flynn] reached out to Moya, who said to her, ‘There’s this whole rescue mission happening for the national football team, so maybe we can get these people on that list’.”

What happened next? Find out via ABC News.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From Metallica to Maritime: The many lives of Greek shipping tycoon Harry Vafias

Though Greek shipping tycoon, Harry Vafias, spends much time working, it certainly isn't a case of 'all work and no play.’

‘I want them to know their word matters’: Peter Georgiou stands against gender violence

Peter Georgiou, a real estate agent from Rushcutters Bay and father of four-year-old twins Leila and Lola, believes change begins at home.

Thessaloniki’s Byzantine walls to shine with new light project

Thessaloniki’s iconic Byzantine Walls are set to be illuminated under a major cultural initiative announced by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

Greek World Heritage Cities face rising climate threats

Iconic Greek cities—Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Rhodes, and Patmos—face serious climate threats, according to a new UNESCO-backed report.

Are apps like Duolingo enough to learn Greek, or do we need a tutor?

For many people who want to learn conversational Greek, an app, can be a very useful addition to your program.

You May Also Like

Nick Dimos finally arrives in Russia for life-saving Multiple Sclerosis treatment

Nick Dimos has arrived in Russia for life-saving Multiple Sclerosis treatment after his plans were put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Greek alpinist Antonios Sykaris dies after scaling Mt Dhaulagiri in Nepal

In the first Himalayan casualty of the year in Nepal, Greek alpinist Antonios Sykaris has died on Dhaulagiri on Tuesday.

Pontian Brotherhood of SA monthly lunches a link between generations and culture

On the first Sunday of every month, South Australia’s Pontian community get together to share a meal and celebrate their common roots.