Zambian Assistant FIFA Referee Diana Chikotesha has received another prestigious appointment, this time for the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions League set to take place at the Wuhan Sports Centre Stadium in Wuhan, China.
Chikotesha will be part of a team of seven African officials selected for the global competition. The group includes referee Bouchra Karboubi of Morocco, assistant referee Carine Atezambong of Cameroon, Shamirah Nabadda of Uganda, as well as Hamza El Fariq and Fathia Jermoumi from Morocco, who will handle VAR responsibilities.
The African team will officiate a match between Asian champions Wuhan Jiangda WFC and Auckland United FC, winners of this year’s OFC Women’s Champions League. The winner of the encounter will advance to Africa in the second round to face the CAF Women’s Champions League champions. The victor from that match will progress to the final stage, which will be played at a centralized venue.
The FIFA Women’s Champions League will feature six continental champions from the previous season competing for a newly introduced trophy.
Chikotesha continues to make history as one of Zambia’s most accomplished referees. She has officiated at COSAFA, CAF, and FIFA tournaments and currently holds the title of CAF Female Assistant Referee of the Year. Her latest appointment highlights her consistent performance and growing influence in global football officiating.
This selection adds to Zambia’s growing presence on the international football stage and underscores the country’s contribution to advancing women’s football globally.