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[June 6, 2023] – FIFA, the international governing body of football, has announced that Michael Schiavello, renowned sports commentator and broadcaster, has been chosen to provide audio descriptive commentary for the upcoming 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

With a career spanning over two decades, Schiavello has established himself as one of the most respected and versatile voices in sports commentary. From his thrilling calls of Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games events to his veteran presence in sports such as boxing, MMA, volleyball, Futsal, kickboxing, track and field, professional wrestling, 8-ball pool and football, Schiavello's expertise knows no bounds. His ability to capture the essence of sporting moments and engage audiences has made him a household name in sports broadcasting.

Schiavello's selection as audio descriptive commentator for the Women's World Cup is a testament to his unrivaled talent and dedication to his craft. His deep knowledge of football, coupled with his extensive experience in various sports, equips him with the skills needed to deliver compelling audio descriptions that allow visually impaired fans to experience the excitement of the game.

FIFA's decision to introduce audio descriptive commentary for the Women's World Cup reflects its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in football. 

Commenting on his appointment, Schiavello expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm, stating, "Being chosen as the audio descriptive commentator for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup is a tremendous honor. I am excited to contribute to the accessibility of football and provide a rich and immersive experience for visually impaired fans."

Schiavello continued, "Audio descriptive sports commentary presents unique challenges compared to traditional television and radio sports commentary. While traditional commentary focuses on providing play-by-play descriptions and analysis for viewers, audio descriptive commentary aims to make the game accessible for visually impaired individuals.

"One significant challenge is conveying the visual elements of the sport in a way that is informative and engaging for the visually impaired audience. The commentator must carefully choose words and descriptions to paint a vivid picture of the action, ensuring that crucial details such as player movements, positioning, and spatial awareness are conveyed accurately.

"Another challenge lies in balancing the need for descriptive information without overwhelming the auditory experience. The commentator must provide enough context and details to convey the essence of the game, while also allowing room for the sounds of the sport to come through, such as the roar of the crowd, the impact of the ball, or the players' interactions.

Moreover, timing and synchronization are crucial in audio descriptive commentary. The commentator must maintain a steady pace and seamlessly integrate descriptions with the ongoing action, ensuring that visually impaired fans receive real-time information that enhances their understanding and enjoyment of the game."

The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, set to take place in Australia and New Zealand, promises to be a remarkable tournament filled with exceptional talent and fierce competition. With Michael Schiavello's audio descriptive commentary, visually impaired audiences will have the opportunity to be part of the excitement, emotion, and triumphs that unfold on the field.