Stunning Italian referee once told she was 'too attractive' to be promoted

May 10, 2026 • 0 • min read

Table of Contents

Stunning Italian referee once told she was 'too attractive' to be promoted

Manuela Nicolosi has opened up about the challenges she faced during her refereeing career, claiming she was once denied promotion in Italian football because officials believed her appearance attracted "too much attention."

The 45-year-old referee, who has officiated more than 200 professional matches across men's and women's football, said the criticism had nothing to do with her performances on the pitch.

Nicolosi is best known internationally for serving as an assistant referee during the 2019 UEFA Super Cup final between Chelsea and Liverpool.

Key takeaways

Manuela Nicolosi says she was blocked because she was considered "too visible."
She has officiated more than 200 professional matches, including the 2019 Super Cup.
Nicolosi says she faced threats, abuse and harassment early in her career.

Tara Mae Kirk opens up on sexist social media attention after viral rise

Peterborough Women striker Tara Mae Kirk reveals sexist comments and sexualisation after her viral rise in women's football.

'You attract too much attention'

Speaking to Italian outlet Quotidiano Sportivo, Nicolosi revealed that senior figures within the game repeatedly told her she needed to be "less visible."

She said one of the most difficult moments of her career came when she was overlooked for promotion from Serie C to Serie B.

They told me I was too visible and attracted too much attention. That nearly made me quit.

Technical mistakes or failing fitness tests are understandable, but being stopped because you're considered "flashy" is something completely different.

According to Nicolosi, the experience exposed wider issues surrounding attitudes towards female referees in Italy at the time.

I left Italy at 20 because I realised they didn't really want female referees progressing.

You could reach a certain level, but after that there were obstacles everywhere.

Threats and abuse early in her career

Nicolosi also recalled one frightening incident whilst officiating in Italy's fifth tier, Eccellenza, where she says she had to lock herself inside the dressing room after a match.

I barricaded myself in the locker room. Coaches and club officials were shouting threats outside. I had to call the police, who escorted me out.

She described the experience as one she still remembers vividly years later.

Like many referees, Nicolosi said verbal abuse became part of the job. However, she also acknowledged facing unwanted attention and harassment during her rise through football.

Refusing to compromise

When asked whether players had ever made advances towards her, Nicolosi admitted it had happened but stressed she never allowed it to affect her professionalism.

I never gave in, and maybe that's why my career progression took longer.

She added that once the match started, reputations meant little to her - whether officiating stars such as Kylian Mbappé or Mohamed Salah.

On the pitch, everyone was the same to me.

A wider debate in football

Nicolosi's comments have reignited discussions around sexism, scrutiny and the treatment of female officials within professional football.

Whilst opportunities for women in refereeing have expanded significantly in recent years, her experiences highlight the barriers many still believe exist behind the scenes.

Want the best deals right now? View Best Deals →

Shop Featured Deals (Fast Checkout)