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Désirée Blanco retires from football refereeing due to heart issues
Swiss FIFA referee Désirée Blanco has announced her immediate retirement from professional football due to ongoing heart health concerns. The 43-year-old, a former Swiss national player, had previously been fitted with a pacemaker four years ago following complications from a COVID-19 infection.
Blanco reported that recent cardiological examinations revealed new irregularities. While she had attempted to manage her condition by reducing training intensity, she noted that she no longer felt mentally or physically prepared for the rigors of elite matches. She stated that she did not want to risk her health further.
Her final appearance on the pitch took place during a Swiss league match between FC Basel and FC Lugano. Throughout her career, Blanco officiated 23 matches in the Swiss top flight and participated in high-level international assignments, including matches during the Women's EURO.
Entities
Désirée Blanco · FC Basel · FC Lugano · FIFA · Swiss Football Association
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Her final match was between FC Basel and FC Lugano. www.rtl.de · www.volksfreund.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Désirée Blanco has retired from professional refereeing effective immediately due to heart problems. www.rtl.de · www.volksfreund.de · www.bild.de
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Blanco's heart issues were exacerbated by a COVID-19 infection during the pandemic. www.bild.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Recent cardiological examinations revealed new irregularities. www.rtl.de · www.volksfreund.de · www.bild.de
- [● 2 SOURCES] Blanco officiated 23 matches in the Swiss first league. www.rtl.de · www.volksfreund.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Blanco received a pacemaker four years ago. www.rtl.de · www.volksfreund.de · www.bild.de