Albanian refereeing continues to climb the ladder in the international arena, and recently, good news has come from UEFA.

For the first time in history, an Albanian referee will officiate a UEFA Women’s Champions League match. The Communication Department at the AFL informs that Emanuela Rusta will referee the SL Benfica W – Barcelona W match, valid for the sixth round of the UEFA Women’s Champions League, with one of her assistants being Edjena Kapxhiu in the role of the first assistant.

The match between SL Benfica W and Barcelona W is scheduled to be played in Seixal, Portugal, on January 31, starting at 21:00.

This is another excellent piece of news and a success for Albanian refereeing and the Albanian Football Federation, which receive such an evaluation from UEFA. This once again proves the growth of Albanian refereeing and its representation at high levels of the European and world football scene.

Emanuela Rusta and Edjena Kapxhiu are equipped with the FIFA emblem. In June 2023, Rusta made history by becoming the first female referee promoted by the UEFA Referee Committee, rising to the first category.

Until now, Emanuela Rusta and Edjena Kapxhiu have only officiated in qualifying challenges. However, on Wednesday evening, they will make history by managing a group match in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

/m.ll/