Albanian Referee Shuts Down Instagram Account Over Persistent Sexualization by Fans

Emanuela Rusta, a 30-year-old Albanian referee, has deactivated her Instagram account due to an influx of sexist messages.

Rusta, who recently officiated in the Women's Champions League, expressed her frustration over being constantly referred to as "the sexy ref" rather than being recognized for her professional skills.

Rusta's decision comes after enduring numerous inappropriate comments and media coverage that focused more on her appearance than her competence.

"They should focus more on my professionalism than on other things," she told AFP, as quoted by Marca. She emphasized that refereeing should be about competence, not gender, and called for greater acceptance and respect for female referees.

Despite her groundbreaking achievements, including being the first woman to referee a men's Albanian SuperLiga match, Rusta has had to contend with headlines such as "The sexy referee who raises the temperature."

This type of media portrayal has made it difficult for her to be taken as seriously as her male counterparts.

Rusta's experience is not unique. She draws inspiration from Stephanie Frappart, who became the first woman to officiate a men's Champions League game and later made history at the 2022 men's World Cup. Rusta hopes for a future where female referees are judged solely on their abilities and not their looks. "You have to fight hard to be accepted. You have to blow the glass ceiling to pieces," she asserted.