Bouchra Karboubi Makes History as First Arab Woman Referee at AFCON

Bouchra Karboubi, a 36-year-old North African woman, has become the first Arab woman to officiate a men’s match at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

She joined Rwandan Salima Mukansanga and officiated at Africa’s largest football event. Karboubi expressed pride in representing Moroccan and Arab women in the event and hopes to set an example for future referees.

Bouchra also led an all-female team of officials in Nigeria’s recent match against Guinea-Bissau. Karboubi praised the Confederation of African Football refereeing division for its efforts in developing women’s refereeing in Africa. She hopes to set an example for future referees and sees the future of women’s refereeing in Africa growing.