First-ever Women's International Football Competition to be held in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has achieved a new milestone by holding the world's first women's 11-a-side international football competition. Saudi Arabia, Comoros, Pakistan, and Mauritius were the participating teams in the competition.

The friendly competition began on January 11 and will begin on January 19 on Thursday. The Prince Saud bin Jalawi Stadium in Dammam hosted the opening matches.

The Saudi Arabian team defeated Mauritius, while Pakistan defeated Comoros.

Anoud Al Asmari officiated the match between Pakistan and Comoros. She was the first Saudi woman to be added to the FIFA's official list of referees.

"Not just for women's football and the development of the sport in the kingdom, but for football itself, the hosting of this tournament in Saudi Arabia represents a significant moment. According to Lamia Bahaian, supervisor of the women's football department at the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, "it is an event that can significantly contribute to inspiring millions of young girls throughout the nation and the Asian continent to get involved in the beautiful game."

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation is also ecstatic about Anoud Al Asmari's success in presiding over her first game as a FIFA official referee and looks forward to assisting in the development of her enormous potential on the international stage. "Her appointment is an important moment for football in the country and the region and provides another example of a Saudi woman in a prestigious position that can inspire girls across the Kingdom and beyond. We welcome each of Comoros, Pakistan and Mauritius to Saudi Arabia and wish them the best of luck in the tournament,” Lamia added.

On Sunday, January 15, two more tournament matches are Saudi Arabia vs. Comoros and Pakistan vs. Mauritius. On January 19, the final matches between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan and Comoros and Mauritius will take place.

According to Saudi Arabia's head coach, Monika Staab, "this competition presents enormous room for advancing football in the kingdom. We are very proud to be expanding opportunities for our current squad of talented international footballers, while also paving the way for future generations of Saudi Arabian girls."

"Our Green Falcons are putting a lot of effort into their quest to climb the official FIFA rankings, and the event we're holding will assist raise barclays across the board. The German continued, "These are exciting times for women's football in Saudi Arabia, and I would encourage all girls and women to learn more and get involved in the game.