Coming off the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Melbourne, Joanna Charaktis has been chosen as Assistant Referee for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
“It’s a little bit surreal, you’re like ‘this is actually happening. I’m actually doing this,” Charaktis said in a video with Football Victoria.
Under the guidance of her father, Charaktis underwent her first training camp as a high school student to become a referee.
The Victorian was sent back home to Melbourne for her referee debut under FIFA after attending their training camp.
Riding the wave of the record-breaking interest in women’s football, the World Cup marked the beginning of her career progression as she has been officially appointed an assistant referee for the Paris Games.
She encourages women and players alike to open their minds to referee work as the possibilities have proven to be life changing.
Source: Football Victoria.
