Queenslanders Casey Reibelt and Kate Jacewicz have been selected as part of the contingent of 75 match officials for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup, which will be held between 7 June and 7 July in France.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) CEO David Gallop AM congratulated Kate and Casey on their historic appointments.

“On behalf of the Australian football community, I would like to officially congratulate Kate and Casey on being appointed as referees for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup,” said Gallop.

“It is a testament to their outstanding ability that Australia is one of only three nations that have two referees appointed to officiate in France next year.

“We wish Kate and Casey all the best with their preparations for the tournament and we are confident that they will perform admirably when given the opportunity.”

This will be Reibelt’s first FIFA Women’s World Cup appointment after previously officiating at the 2018 FIFA Under 17 Women’s World Cup and the 2016 FIFA Under 20 Women’s World as well as the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2014 and 2018.

“When I got the news of the appointment, the overwhelming feelings I had were that of excitement and relief that after all the seminars, training and tournaments the hard work had finally paid off,” Reibelt said.

“My family and friends have been amazing supporters of me throughout my referee career and this appointment is as much for them as it is for me.

“In addition I would to thank my school (Morayfield State High School) for being understanding and flexible in relation to my refereeing career.

“It’s also fantastic that Kate and I get to experience this tournament together as we have been close friends and colleagues for over ten years and we have been through so much.

“Next week we will head to Abu Dhabi for the first seminar for the appointed referees and I am really looking forward to being a part of that process.”

Having previously been appointed to the 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, 2016 FIFA Under 17 Women’s World Cup, and 2018 FIFA Under 20 Women’s World Cup, this will be Melbourne-based Jaciewicz’s first appointment at FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“It was an amazing feeling to get the call late last night from Ben (Wilson) regarding the appointment and it is hard to put into words your feelings when your lifelong dream comes true,” said Jacewicz, who played and refereed her junior football on the Gold Coast.

“There has been plenty of hard work and preparation that has got me to this point and I’d like to thank those close to me that have all contributed to this appointment.

“It’s an honour to be a part of the continued success of Australian referees on the world stage and now the real preparations begin.”

FFA Director of Referees Ben Wilson was extremely proud both Kate and Casey have been recognised for their outstanding performances on the international stage.

“Just like players who aspire to perform at the highest level, so too do referees,” said Wilson.

“Kate and Casey are Australia’s most experienced female match officials and I am certain they will represent Australian referees with distinction on the world stage.

“Both Kate and Casey are fantastic role models for up and coming female referees and show that there is a clear career path from the grass roots level to the top international tournaments.

“I have been privileged to watch both Kate and Casey develop their craft other the years and we wish them well next year.”

Both Kate and Casey will be in action during the current Westfield W-League season and between the two of them, they have held the title of Westfield W-League Referee of the Year nine out of the ten seasons since 2008, with Kate winning seven awards and Casey winning two awards.

To see the full list of match officials for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, please click here.