Frenchwoman's hopes of being first female World Cup official dashed

Fantasista

Frenchwoman's hopes of being first female World Cup official dashed
April 21, 2006

NEU-ISENBURG, Germany (AP) -- Frenchwoman Nelly Viennot failed a sprint test Friday, ending her hopes of becoming the first female World Cup official.

The 44-year-old Viennot was among 80 candidates tested on physical fitness and knowledge of rules at a four-day FIFA workshop for assistant referees. Eight failed, including Viennot.

Sixty officials will be selected early May for World Cup duty in Germany. FIFA has already announced the names of the 23 referees who will officiate at soccer's premier event.

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