Bouchra Karboubi made history last month by becoming the first woman from North Africa to referee a men’s match at the CAN on January 22.
She thus joined Salima Mukansanga of Rwanda and registered her name alongside women officiating at the most important football event in Africa.
“In the name of God, the most gracious, the most merciful, I feel that we will be the first Arab referee at the African Cup, which is the biggest football event,” says Karboubi.
“It is an immense pride for me and a great joy, an overflowing joy and a pride to represent Moroccan and Arab women during this football event.”
This 36-year-old officiated her first match at the African Women’s Cup of Nations in 2018.
She says her career in policing has greatly influenced her officiating practice.
“My profession as a police officer has certainly had a positive impact on Bouchra Karbouki, the referee on the ground. One of the basic rules of the police is to be impartial to apply the law fairly and with commitment. In other words, all these values reflect positively on Bouchra, the referee.”
Bouchra Karboubi hopes to “serve as an example for women…and that the next generation will be increasingly called upon.”
She also led an all-female team of referees, a first in the tournament’s history, during Nigeria’s victory over Guinea-Bissau last month.
She praised the work of the arbitration division of the Confederation of African Football.
“It is certain that the CAF refereeing division is doing an excellent job in developing women’s refereeing in Africa. The fact that we are here, that we are refereeing such matches, shows the fruits of their work,” he said. she declared to the CAF.
This participation of Bouchra Karboubi in the CAN marks a significant step forward for the inclusion of women in the world of football in Africa. Her success and inspiring journey pave the way for greater recognition and visibility for women referees in the region.