Christina Unkel Explained

Christina Unkel née Ibanez is an American broadcaster and former football referee.

Early life

Unkel started refereeing at the age of ten. She attended Palm Beach Atlantic University in the United States where she got a degree in the rules of Association Football. After that, she attended Stetson University in the United States.[1]

Career

Unkel is a FIFA-licensed referee and officiated at club and international level. She later served as State Referee Administrator for the Florida State Referee Committee. She has also worked as president of American side Tampa Bay Sun FC.[2] [3]

She was a featured analyst during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup for Fox Sports and has also worked as a columnist for The Athletic and CBS Sports.[4]

In June 2024, she was employed by British television station ITV as a refereeing and rules expert for the coverage of the UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany. She received praise for her work, being described as "authoritative" by The Guardian.[5]

Personal life

Unkel married American football referee Ted Unkel on 2 May 2009, after meeting at a football tournament in Cocoa Beach, Florida.[6]

She is also an avid Leeds United fan.[7]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Stinson . Jim . August 9, 2023 . Sarasota attorney, entrepreneur dives headfirst into next big career challenge . 2024-04-22 . Business Observer . en.
  2. Web site: Krishnaiyer . Kartik . December 12, 2023 . Christina Unkel excels in CBS role as referee rules analyst . 2024-04-22 . World Soccer Talk . en.
  3. Web site: Euro 2024: Who is ITV referee expert Christina Unkel?. FourFourTwo. 21 June 2024. Tom. Hancock. 17 June 2024.
  4. Web site: The Independent. 21 June 2024. Who is Christina Unkel? American rules analyst and VAR expert adds insight for ITV during Euro 2024. 17 June 2024.
  5. Web site: American VAR expert Christina Unkel gives ITV edge over BBC at Euro 2024. The Guardian. 21 June 2024. John. Brewin. 16 June 2024.
  6. Web site: I now pronounce you wps ref and wife. bleacherreport.com. 5 May 2009. 3 July 2024.
  7. News: Christina Unkel unafraid to call it like it is . https://archive.today/20240325024626/https://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/story/2023-06-27/soccer-christina-unkel-mls-broadcasts-referee-rules-expert . 2024-03-25 . live . . Baxter . Kevin . June 27, 2023.

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