Swiss Referee Désirée Blanco Retires Due to Heart Problems

Swiss top referee Désirée Blanco has prematurely ended her career due to heart problems. According to the Swiss Football Association, the 43 year old had a pacemaker implanted four years ago. A cardiological checkup in early August revealed abnormalities that Blanco attributed to her intensive training routines. She told the Swiss newspaper Blick that her training was sometimes so intense that she could not eat for three hours afterward. Blanco stated that after changing her routine, her focus and readiness in both mind and legs were no longer the same, leading her to conclude that it was no longer possible to continue. While she expressed her love for top level football and refereeing, she decided not to gamble with her health. The association also noted that new professional and family responsibilities contributed to the decision. Blanco's final match took place last weekend during a Swiss first division game between FC Basel and FC Lugano. A former Swiss national player, she officiated 23 games in the Swiss first league and two matches during last year's Women's European Championship in Switzerland. Blanco expressed pride in her achievements and noted that while the decision is difficult, refereeing provided her with countless beautiful moments.