The return of female refereeing to Bolivian professional football marks a historic moment after nearly two decades of absence, as the Federación Boliviana de Fútbol (FBF) has designated Alejandra Quisbert to officiate the upcoming match between Universitario de Vinto and Wilstermann.
This significant event is set to take place on December 18, 2023, at the Estadio Félix Capriles. With Quisbert taking the role of head referee, she becomes the first woman to referee a men's professional match since 2006, when Cándida Colque last held this position during the match between The Strongest and Wilstermann.
According to Víctor Hugo Quispe, a football statistician, female referees have been absent from the principal officiator role since Colque's tenure. The coming match, part of the 29th round of the Clausura Tournament, symbolizes not only a shift toward inclusivity within the sport but also serves as recognition of Quisbert's accomplishments, particularly her officiation at international levels.
Quisbert, who hails from La Paz, has made headlines for her impressive refereeing record, including officiation at key matches such as the recent FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup where she refereed the group stage clash between England and Kenya, and pivotal matches like the third-place playoffs where the United States triumphed over England.
“After 18 years, finally we are witnessing women's authority on the field of Bolivian football again,” stated José Jordán, the head of the refereeing committee at FBF, signifying the importance of this milestone. Alongside Quisbert, Wilma Balderrama from Cochabamba will supervise the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), bringing additional female representation to the officiation team.
Beyond officiation, Quisbert’s qualifications extend as she has received the FIFA badge since 2021, illustrating her commitment and skill level recognized internationally. Her experience also includes refereeing at the Sudamericano Femenino Sub-17 held in Montevideo, Uruguay.
The 18-year gap without women officiated highlights societal shifts within Bolivia as sports evolve to encourage gender parity. With female referees historically restricted from such prominent roles, Quisbert's appointment is not just about returning women to the field but also about inspiring future generations.
The game on December 18 not only serves as verification of women's place within Bolivian football but also celebrates the athletes who fought and continue to fight for equality and representation within all areas of sports.
With Quisbert at the helm, there is anticipation surrounding the match, putting her professionalism and skill on display at one of Bolivia's key football events. Many hope this will pave the way for more female referees to join the ranks, emphasizing the importance of having women seen and heard on the pitch.
“I feel proud and honored to serve my country and contribute to football’s development,” Quisbert stated, expressing her enthusiasm for the upcoming role.
The presence of female referees is becoming gradually more accepted worldwide, and Bolivia’s latest decision marks progress. The story doesn't just focus on the individual event, but it reverberates through the struggles and achievements of women athletes and officials.
All eyes will be on Quisbert as she steps onto the pitch on Wednesday, and this event may become transformative for future matches within the division, illustrating the growth of self-breaking barriers within football.
The upcoming match is expected not only to showcase remarkable talent on the field by the teams but also the remarkable spirit of change happening off the field as women take their rightful place within the sports narrative.
With her historic match potentially inspiring future policies and actions within Bolivia, Quisbert's refereeing could create foundational changes within the perception of women's roles not just within football, but throughout all professional sports.
