One of the main events in Ukrainian futsal refereeing in 2025 was the successful work of Maria Myshlovska on the first ever women's World Championship, which took place in November-December in the Philippines.

The Ukrainian referee was entrusted with working at the opening match and semi-finals of the women's World Cup, reports the AFU.

Maria Myshlovska shared her impressions from working on this historic tournament and told about the arrangements for celebrating women's futsal in the Philippines.

Photo AFU

— The preparation for the WC was managed by FIFA senior instructors. How does the level of physical and theoretical readiness requirements differ between national and international levels?

— Regarding physical tests, the requirements are absolutely identical at both national and international levels. But due to the Women's World Championship, FIFA established a different standard for women's competitions, in which for the sprint and CODA test (10m sprint, 8m quick step, 8m quick step in reverse direction, and again 10m sprint — Note), more time is given, while the limit for the Ariet test (a running test at a certain speed alternately facing forward and backward) is lower. But personally for me, it was important to pass the test for the men's championship at speed. As for Ariet — we were stopped at the limit.

Regarding theory, preparation began approximately one year before the WC. We gathered online monthly — theory, taking numerous tests, video analysis. I can also note that at the national level, we constantly gather and analyze moments of our championship.

— You worked on the historic opening match. How did you learn about your assignment? Was it a great surprise or not surprising?

— The first assignments were announced to us via video call by Pierluigi Collina. It was a great honor for me — to represent Ukraine in this historic match. There was no surprise, but there was joy and pride.

Photo AFU

— What can you say about the level of organization of the first women's WC, attendance at matches, and the atmosphere around them?

— The organization was on the highest level. I still remember when two days before the start we arrived to check out the pitch for the first time. The number of people involved in the preparations was incredible – many more than the spectators could see. Regarding the atmosphere, the matches of Filipino women at the group stage were very bright — attendance exceeded 2000 and there was constant support. Also, the final was spectacular — over 5000 spectators on the stands.