Bentla for FIFA Under-20 World Championship

FIFA referee Bentla D'Couth of Kerala has been chosen to officiate the upcoming FIFA Under-20 Women's World Football Championship, in Russia, from August 17.

Sixteen teams, including Brazil, New Zealand, Australia, China, Finland, Canada, Germany, Argentina, USA and hosts Russia are participating in the championship, K P Sunny, Kerala Football Association secretary, said in Kochi on Tuesday.

The semi-finals of the championship will be played on August 31 and after two days' rest the final will be played on September 3.

Expressing happiness over her selection, Bentla said she will be leaving for Moscow on Wednesday.

The Asian Football Confederation has also chosen her to officiate in the Doha Asian Games, scheduled this year, Bentla said.

Bentla, who had officiated at the 2004 Athens Olympics football matches, also officiated at the 2002 Busan Asian Games.