Ceban Natalia

About

Natalia Ceban is a prominent figure in women's football in the Republic of Moldova, recognized as a FIFA assistant referee since 2011. Her career includes prestigious international assignments, such as being an assistant in the Estonia - Turkey match in the qualifiers for the 2022 Women's European Championship, as well as in matches from the UEFA Women's Champions League qualifiers, like Benfica - Cliftonville. She made history in Moldovan football as the first woman to referee a match in the National Division, in 2016, in the Academia - Dacia game, and officiated the finals of the Moldovan Women's Football Cup, consolidating her reputation through professionalism and accuracy. Within the Moldovan Football Federation (FMF), Natalia has held the position of Women's Football Manager since 2012, being responsible for the development of women's football, including as a federal inspector and coordinator of the UEFA Playmakers project, which attracts girls aged 5-8 to the sport through games inspired by Disney stories. She has collaborated with organizations such as the Cross Cultures Project Association (CCPA) as an instructor at Open Fun Football Schools and has worked at FC Zimbru Chisinau. Her higher education in physical education from the State University of Physical Education and Sport in Chisinau (2003-2009) provided her with the foundation for her roles as a coach and manager. Born on February 27, 1985, in Chișinău, Natalia Ceban comes from a football-dedicated family, being the twin sister of Svetlana Patraș, another former national player and personality in refereeing and children's projects. Both former players, the two sisters have contributed together to the promotion of women's football through initiatives such as Open Fun Football Schools and Playmakers, fostering a safe and inclusive environment for young female athletes in Moldova.