Officials named for Finland
Monday, July 12, 2004
Article summary
Representatives from 15 countries will officiate at the final tournament in Finland this summer.
Article body
Fifteen matches
The tournament kicks off on 28 July and runs for 12 days until the final in Vantaa on 8 August. In between, there will be 15 matches for the pool of 14 referees and assistant referees, each representing different European countries, to officiate at.
Varying experience
The vastly-experienced Anri Hänninen, now in her seventh season as an international referee, is one of two fourth officials from the host nation. The other, 24-year-old Saija Raatikainen, will make her international debut at this, the third European Women's U19 Championship.
International debutantes
The 36-year-old Swedish referee Paula Thörn will also make her first appearance at a major tournament, as will assistant Rhona Daly of the Republic of Ireland. Lithuania's Ausra Tvarijonaite and Veronique Geerts from Belgium are among the most experienced officials - both turned international in 2000 - and will be among those supervised by UEFA Referees' Committee members Ingrid Jonsson and Michel Vautrot.
