Most spectators who watched the match between Curaçao and Ecuador focused on the Curaçao goalkeeper, who achieved 15 saves that were compared to some of the best performances in World Cup history. Yet, in China, another star drew attention: referee Ma Ning.
Ma Ning, aged 47, is China’s highest-ranking referee in the world and has earned the role of the nation’s de facto representative at the tournament. China did not qualify for the World Cup, giving Ma an unusual high-profile moment. This role often stays away from public view.
Ma Ning officiated alongside assistant referee Zhou Fei and video assistant referee Fu Ming. It’s noteworthy that Ma is the first Chinese referee selected for two consecutive World Cups. Despite being chosen for the 2022 World Cup, he did not take the field then. His involvement this year marks the first Chinese referee appearance at a World Cup since 2002.
The event sparked celebration in China, a country of 1.4 billion whose team hasn’t participated in the World Cup since 2002. The team lost all group games without a goal that year. China’s state-owned media lauded the match in Kansas City, Mo., along with the referees’ participation as a ‘historic milestone.’
Fans on social media expressed they watched specifically to see Ma Ning officiate, marking a unique interest in the match beyond the on-field play.
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