A challenge for me: watching the World Cup 2026. Here’s why.
Supposedly, the commonsense notion of no men in women’s sports is an 80-20 issue. What about the reverse? 90-10?
I tried watching a World Cup match between Czechia and South Africa, but ended up fast-forwarding through much of it. That it had a female referee made it more tepid for a neutral. While hopefully remaining nameless, the referee is likely the most important person on the pitch.
As a neutral, I find that some of the more exciting moments in soccer center on player-referee interactions after dubious calls. Female referees tend to subdue the animated antics because the players don’t want to be accused of uncouth behavior, manhandling her, or of misogyny.
I did stop a couple of times before deleting the recording. In minute 57, I observed a South African player put a friendly arm around the ref, virtually hugging her. Jeez, players are discouraged from touching refs. Get a room! I suspect that hardcore fans are repulsed at the possibility of the sport becoming too polite for the sake of engaging female refs.
In addition to the natural inter-sex interactions unduly calming the excitement, there is the issue of keeping up with the fast breaks. They are also at a height disadvantage when it comes to observing the hustle and bustle of corner kicks. Maybe an occasional female ref can keep up in MLS, but not in the more intense leagues.
When awarding a penalty kick, especially for a handball, the inevitable fracas ensues around the ref. It adds to the exciting suspense. Well, when this ref awarded South Africa a penalty (late in the match, no less), the Czechia players were more restrained. It all seemed surreal, especially since the decision was somewhat controversial from their perspective. The players were probably forewarned to behave their best. Boring!
Even if a magnanimous commentator is commendatory (perhaps approving of the soft approach to conducting affairs), the ref added no additional value. One wonders if DEI played a role.
Despite some spontaneous criticism of her decisions during the game (at minutes 58 and 74 about yellow-card decisions), when prompted at the end to offer an appraisal, the commentators (including an ex-ref who wants to keep his job) were a sickening mutual admiration society. One senses they want a prosperous career and dare not tempt accusations of mansplaining.
Modern soccer players are often criticized for feigning injuries to con the refs. Are they going to be completely wussy-fied in this milquetoast milieu? Rather, we should insist on this: no women in men’s sports, especially in the center. Now stop cramping our style.
Go USA.: Wallop the Wallabies (Australia).
