The Westfield Matildas will have company in Brazil with Australian Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League assistant referee Allyson Flynn selected for the Rio Games.
Flynn is one of 38 officials selected for the Women’s Football Tournament and is one of only six selected from the Asian Football Confederation. The appointment follows Flynn’s excellent performances at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015 in Canada where she was appointed to the Semi Final between Japan and England.
Speaking from Canberra, Flynn was thrilled to have been appointed for the Games.
“I am honoured to be selected to go to the games. To be involved in this multisport worldwide event will be an amazing experience.”
The upcoming tournament represents a significant step for match officials on the road to the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019.
Flynn highlighted the importance of a solid preparation leading up to the Games in Rio.
“FIFA places a large importance on our preparation to ensure we arrive in Rio physically, mentally and technically ready. I will continue with my training program which includes focusing on my fitness and injury prevention as well as technical sessions where we practice decision making and match situations.”
Flynn becomes the 11th Australian official to be appointed to a Games, following on most recently from Ben Williams, Matthew Cream, Hakan Anaz and Sarah Ho controlling matches at London in 2012.
Joining Flynn in Brazil will be New Zealand Hyundai A-League referee Matthew Conger and assistant referee Simon Lount who have been selected to referee the Men’s tournament in Rio.