Sheridan:Everyone should pay attention to the European women's soccer game. In fact, their games are not slower than men's. So now it is a trend for female referees to enforce men's matches because we face European teams when we go out. There is still a gap between our Chinese referees and European referees. It is normal for female referees to participate in men's matches like in the English Premier League, so I also believe that the CFA has a very clear idea in training female referees, and more female referees will participate in our men's matches next.
-- Is there a goal of enforcing the Men's World Cup?
Xie Lijun:I'm definitely looking ahead, but the clearest goal at the moment is the 2027 Women's World Cup. Because Asia has requirements for us now, the first step is to pass the men's medical examination, and the second step is to participate in the top men's league. Then, my goal is to participate in the Asian men's competition.
--Talking about mental activity
Xie Lijun:Because I have a lot of confidence in my physical fitness, I felt even more honored when I did the preparatory activities with Mr. Maning and Mr. Shi Xiang. I am very happy to stand on the Oriental Stadium with them.
--Talking about meaning
Xie Lijun:I will also share with other female counterparts. Before I came here, I also saw a lot of controversy on the internet from the media and fans about female referees enforcing men's matches. However, in Europe, it is normal for female referees to enforce men's matches and they are getting better and better. Then, if we want to break out of Asia and go to the World Cup, we need to lay a good foundation in such men's soccer matches.
-Talk about getting on the referee's path
Xie Lijun:I didn't play soccer as a child, and I didn't have any contact with soccer as a child. But after I went to college, because I practiced track and field and had good physical strength and demeanor, I met a soccer teacher and the Sichuan Football Association was trying to find female referees as a reserve force. So I embarked on the path of learning soccer refereeing.
-Talking about learning the rules of soccer
Lijun Xie:In college, I took up soccer as my special project and was also involved in kicking the ball in my daily studies, which helped me grow as a referee.
--Talking about exchanges with Manning
Xie Lijun:I was a little bit nervous when I received the assignment, but Mr. Manning told me that it was a very ordinary game. And I believe that having him here can give me more confidence, he really gave me a lot of encouragement, support and help.
--Recommendations for female referees
Xie Lijun:I am the only Chinese female referee for the 2023 World Cup. So I also hope that more female referees will participate in the Women's World Cup and the men's tournament. So I suggest you watch more men's soccer, really feel our game and be well prepared every day. I believe that one day more female referees will participate in men's matches, break out of Asia and stand on the stage of the World Cup.
