Marta San Juan Becomes First Woman to Referee Andorra Top Football League Match

Marta San Juan has become the first woman to referee a match in Andorra's top football league, marking a milestone in the country's male-dominated sport.

The pioneering referee, who also officiated an international fixture alongside Ainhoa Fernández as an assistant, spoke about her journey into the role. San Juan began as a player but turned to refereeing after an injury. She signed up during a federation recruitment drive at her school and started on the lines, which she credits with helping her grasp the game's dynamics and each official's responsibilities.

"There were few female role models when I started—some at the European level, but very scarce," she said. While formal courses and exams are required, she described refereeing as largely self-taught, emphasising the need for personal drive.

San Juan highlighted the profession's challenges in Andorra, including financial precariousness. The football federation pays per match, but referees are not considered professionals, so they do not contribute to the Social Security Fund (CASS). This leaves them without sick leave or injury coverage, forcing many—like San Juan, who works as a physiotherapist—to hold separate jobs.

International assignments offer better conditions, with UEFA covering all travel expenses to foreign matches. She praised the generally respectful environment in Andorran society, noting few instances of sexist attitudes from players or others.

A self-described young nonconformist, San Juan aims to officiate a top-tier UEFA match and plans to continue refereeing for at least another 20 years.