During Curaçao’s match against Ecuador, which ended in a 0-0 draw, many spectators focused on the Curaçaoan goalkeeper, who made an impressive 15 saves. However, for some fans in China, the highlight was the debut of Ma Ning, the World Cup’s highest-ranking Chinese referee.
Ma Ning, 47, has emerged as China’s representative at the World Cup, given the country’s team did not qualify. His presence has brought attention to a role that usually stays out of the limelight.
Ma Ning was part of the first Chinese refereeing team to officiate during this World Cup. He was joined by assistant referee Zhou Fei and video assistant referee Fu Ming. This team marked a notable moment as Ma was selected for the second consecutive time, having been chosen for the 2022 World Cup but not assigned to any matches.
This occasion was celebrated in China, a nation of 1.4 billion people whose team last qualified for the World Cup in 2002. Back then, China did not win or score in any of its group stage matches.
The match in Kansas City, Mo., was praised as a ‘historic milestone’ by China’s state-run media. Enthusiasm on social media revealed that some fans tuned in specifically to see Ma officiate.