Aussie Match Officials At World Championships

Three leading Australian match officials have been appointed to matches at the FIFA Under 19 Women's World Championship, which commences tonight in Thailand.

Three leading Australian match officials have been appointed to matches at the FIFA Under 19 Women's World Championship, which commences tonight in Thailand.  Referee Jacqui Melksham of Brisbane, plus assistant referee's Sarah Ho of Sydney and Canberra's Michelle Treloar, will officiate the Group B match between China and Italy in Chiang Mai on Saturday 13 November.

Melksham will also be the fourth official for tomorrow's USA v South Korea match in Phuket.

All three appeared at the four-nation Australia Cup tournament in February and also officiated at April's U-19 Oceania qualifiers in Papua New Guinea.   The appointments continue the recognition of Australian female match officials at major international tournaments following appearances by Australians at this year's Olympic Games and also the 2003 Women's World Cup in the USA.  Referee Krystyna Szokolai officiated at the Athens Olympics while last year's Women's World Cup featured referee Tammy Ogston.  Assistant referees Airlie Keen and Jacqueline Leleu also featured at both tournaments.   The Qantas Young Matildas will feature in the opening day of competition with a tough match tonight against 2002 runners-up Canada.  Their remaining group matches will be against Germany on Saturday 13 November and Thailand on Tuesday 16 November.

TV COVERAGE IN AUSTRALIA : SBS-TV :   Saturday 13 November @11:40pm Germany v Australia - DELAYED all Centres   Tuesday 16 November @11:35 pm Australia v Thailand - LIVE*   Wednesday 24 November @11:40pm SEMI Final #2 - LIVE*   Thursday 25 November @1:45am SEMI Final #1 - DELAYED all Centres   Saturday 27 November @12:00 midnight FINAL - DELAYED all Centres

* LIVE to NSW, ACT, VIC & TAS Delayed to QLD, SA, NT & WA (check local guide for details)