The match between FC Basel and FC Lugano this Sunday (4:30 p.m.) at Parc Saint-Jacques will mark the end of Désirée Blanco’s career. At 43, the only female Super League referee has decided to retire with immediate effect. This departure was initially planned for the end of the 2026-2027 season. He comes earlier than expected due to a medical concern.
Indeed, Désirée Blanco had a pacemaker implanted in 2022 and anomalies were detected during her last heart check in August. “It made me rethink my priorities. Overall, I feel completely healthy, I’m in great shape and I can continue to play sports, just not at this level anymore. Even if I really like elite football and refereeing, I do not want to put my health at risk,” she stressed in a press release from the Swiss Football Association.
Selected for Euro 2025
A 13-time Swiss international, Désirée Blanco chose in 2009 to abandon her playing career to devote herself to refereeing. Three years later, it obtained FIFA status. During her career, she notably managed 23 Super League matches, 33 Challenge League matches and 11 Swiss Men’s Cup matches.
The peak of her career will remain the Women’s Euro 2025 in Switzerland, where she refereed two matches. Désirée Blanco also officiated in the Women’s Champions League, notably during the semi-final first leg between Arsenal and OL Lyonnes last April.
She will not completely leave the world of refereeing since she will continue to support young female referees as a coach.
