Moroccan referee Bouchra Karboubi becomes the first Arab woman to officiate at Afcon

Moroccan referee Bouchra Karboubi made history on Monday by becoming the first Arab woman to officiate a match at the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN-2023) soccer tournament.

Leading the crucial match between Nigeria and Guinea Bissau, she showcased the progress of women’s soccer in Morocco, attributed to the Royal Moroccan Football Federation’s dedication to development under the visionary leadership of King Mohammed VI.

Karboubi’s achievements, including officiating at the Women’s World Cup and receiving the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Prize for Sports Creativity, highlight her excellence in the field.

Prior to officiating the Nigeria-Guinea Bissau match at CAN-2023, Bouchra Karboubi had already marked her presence by overseeing various soccer matches at national and continental levels.

Notably, she was the first Moroccan woman to officiate a Throne Cup final in 2019-2020 and contributed to the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Recognizing her achievements, Karboubi was honored with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Prize for Sports Creativity in Dubai on January 10, 2024, cementing her status as the “Best Arab Football Referee” for her exemplary leadership and performance in high-level international competitions.