January 12 – Japan’s Yoshimi Yamashita will become the first woman referee in AFC Asian Cup history to take charge of a men’s game at the finals when she leads out Australia and India for their opening group game on January 13.
September 14 – The AFC has named a record 74 officials for the Asian Cup 2023, to be played in Qatar January 12 to February 10 next year, including the first time appointment of five women officials.
April 21 – Japan’s Yoshimi Yamashita (pictured) will make history tonight as the first female referee to take charge of an AFC Champions League match.
May 14 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is making history in the region by announcing that for the first time an all-female officiating trio will take charge of a men’s continental club game.