NFL appoint first black female referee

The NFL have appointed their first ever black female referee, it has been announced.

Maia Chaka has been named to the official roster of game officials for the 2021 season which will begin in September.

“I am honored to be selected as an NFL official,” Chaka said upon the announcement.

“But this moment is bigger than a personal accomplishment. It is an accomplishment for all women, my community, and my culture.”

Chaka enters the NFL after a standout collegiate career including spells officiating in the Pac-12 Conference and Conference USA.