Chinese referee Ma Ning packs away his cards and bids farewell to the World Cup
Zhou Fei and Fu Ming have also departed, ending China’s involvement in the global showpiece football tournament in North America
Chinese referee Ma Ning and his compatriot have returned home before the Fifa World Cup semi-finals after completing their duties at the tournament.
Ma and Zhou Fei, the assistant referee, were left out of Fifa’s final list of referees announced on Sunday for the remainder of the World Cup. The duo followed video assistant referee Fu Ming’s early departure last week.
The exit of the three referees brings an end to China’s involvement in the global showpiece football tournament.
Ma posted a video on Chinese social media on Monday bidding farewell to the World Cup, thanking the fans and declaring his love for Chinese football.
“From the campus to the World Cup stage, from youthful ignorance to composure and calm, I have spent 20 years proving the meaning of persistence. At 47, many people say it is too late, but I always believe that as long as there is faith, we can turn the impossible into the possible,” Ma said in the video.
He also took the opportunity to express special gratitude to his family, whose support gave him the strength to move forward, keeping him “resolute and fearless” on his path to pursuing his dreams.
Additionally, he thanked the fans, saying, “From teasing me as the ‘card master’ to recognising my officiating standard, it is your rationality and tolerance that have shown me the most lovely side of Chinese football. You are not only watching the games, but also truly understanding the value of refereeing.”