Sport24.az
Female football referee Gulnara Akbarzade gave an interview to Sport24.az.
- How did you become a referee?
- I used to play football in Lankaran. The late Khalid muallim was my coach. Since there was no women's football in the region, he would take me to competitions with boys. At that time, a futsal championship consisting of veterans was held. He took me with him to help. There he told me that there is no women's football here, maybe you can become a referee? He also added that you should start in the region and then continue in Baku. He knew that I wanted to enter the Sports Academy. And I started refereeing there. I refereed in Lankaran for about a year and a half. Then I continued in Baku.
- How did your family react to this decision?
- My father died in the first Karabakh war. I was four years old then. My mother wanted me to continue my piano lessons. My mother wanted me to compose her poems. I just didn't have the enthusiasm. She didn't say a word about me getting into sports. So she respected my decision. She has always supported me.
- What does it feel like to be a female referee in games of men's teams?
- It is good to referee in men's teams in terms of speed and development. Men's football is more interesting.
- Do you have a female referee you consider an idol?
- No. I don't have a referee I consider an idol.
- What advice would you give to young girls who want to become referees?
- Refereeing is a very beautiful profession. Those who are interested should definitely come. Then they won't be able to leave. It is even more interesting to be a FIFA-ranked referee. You travel to countries, you have new acquaintances, new friends.
- What is your biggest goal related to your career?
- I have reached my biggest goal in Azerbaijan. I would like to manage the final games held under the UEFA and FIFA flag. Getting an appointment for a Champions League match is my biggest dream. I hope I will reach my goal one day.
Nuh Tarverdiyev
