Local to global: Airlie Keen
Local South Australian referee Airlie Keen admits she can't put an exact number on how many FIFA international matches she has officiated in.

Since gaining her FIFA accreditation in 2001, Keen has refereed at eight major FIFA tournaments including the 2007 Women's World Cup in China, the 2004 Olympics in Athens and the 2003 Women's World Cup in the USA.

Keen indicated she could have officiated in over 80 international matches but remains humble and modest when quizzed about her illustrious career.

"I really don't know, there has been so many. I think it's countless, I'll have to do my homework better, I can't really put a figure on it," laughed Keen.

"In terms of the major FIFA tournaments, I've had eight which I'm not really sure there would be too many others at this point in time that would have been to eight FIFA tournaments."

Despite her remarkable achievements, Keen wasn't selected to officiate at the FIFA 2011 Women's World Cup in Germany next month with Sarah Ho, Allyson Flynn and Jacqui Melksham Australia's representation at the tournament.

Keen denied she was disappointed on missing out – preferring an attitude of gratitude with regard to the opportunities her refereeing career has presented her.

"I'm not going to say that because I'm happy for the other girls that have been appointed," she said.

"They've done really well and I'm really happy for them. I've felt fairly fortunate… I've got nothing to complain about and don't have any regrets. I've had quite a privileged run and FIFA have given me a lot of opportunities since I was appointed."

Keen admitted some of her best memories were at her first major tournament in 2002 at the FIFA U19 Women's World Cup in Canada.

As well as the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Keen also noted running the line for the opening match of the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup in China as a career highlight – eventual champions Germany thrashed Argentina 11-0.

"2002 was my first real taste of the FIFA experience. It was a really good introduction," she said.

"Of course the Olympic Games in Athens was a real highlight as well but I have to say the 2007 World Cup in Shanghai, I had the opening game. It was in front of a huge crowd, 30 or 40 thousand people."

"It was Germany against Argentina and the German women's team was a really awesome team, a class act. It was a real privilege to referee there. They actually beat Argentina eight or nine nil."

Keen credits her long and successful journey as an official to her humble beginnings in the local Federation leagues where she debuted in 1995.

"The support and encouragement I've had from my local colleagues in the Federation branch and now the FFSA – they've been very supportive throughout my whole career," she said.

"Without them and their support…  it's where I began and I certainly haven't forgot my beginnings.  The local guys are my best inspiration to keep going."

Keen insists opportunities for officials are endless and urged all aspiring referees, particularly females, to keep at it.

"I'd really like the message to go out there's definitely opportunities for all referees, but particularly women," she said.

"Basically, courtesy of FIFA I have been pretty much around the world. Certainly if I can do it, you can do it. I've had a lot of commitment and dedication over the years. The key above all else has been persistence."

Airlie Keen:
2001 – Appointed FIFA Women's Assistant Referee Panel

TOURNAMENTS
• 2002 FIFA U19 WWC - CANADA
• 2003 FIFA WWC - USA
• 2004 OLYMPIC GAMES - ATHENS
• 2006 FIFA U20 WWC - RUSSIA
• 2007 FIFA WWC - CHINA
• 2008 FIFA U20 WWC - CHILE
• 2010 YOUTH OLYMPICS - SINGAPORE
• 2010 FIFA U17 WWC - TRINIDAD & TOBAGO