ENGLAND are taking on New Zealand in a pre-World Cup friendly TONIGHT.
Natalie Simon is officiating the match at the Raymond James Stadium, the home of .
Natalie Simon is officiating England vs New Zealand Credit: Getty
Simon became the first black woman to take charge of an MLS match in 2023 Credit: Getty
brings you the lowdown on the referee.
Who is England vs New Zealand referee Natalie Simon?
Natalie Simon is an American international referee, hailing from Louisiana.
She attended Stetson University, where she played football competitively as a forward.
Simon’s career as a referee began in 2015, when she joined the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association.
The official was named Referee of the Year four years later in 2019.
In April 2022, Simon took charge of her first United States Women’s match as a centre referee.
Six months later, she officiated her maiden championship match in the NWSL between Portland Thorns and Kansas City Current.
During the same year, she became one of four American women to earn a Fifa international refereeing badge.
The following September, Simon made history by becoming the first black woman to referee an match.
She took charge of the clash between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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