This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
Hibapress-Rabat-Caf
On the courtyard side, Bouchra Karboubi embodies authority, this woman in black who ensures compliance with the laws of the beautiful game on international terrains. Worn by an unshakable passion, she has drawn her way from her native Morocco to the biggest scenes in world football: from the Olympic Games to the FIFA Women’s World Cup, including the Totalnergies African Cup of Nations.
On the garden side, she is a fulfilled woman, mother of a 7 year old girl, who juggles brilliantly between her professional responsibilities and her family life. Far from the tumult of the stadiums, she savor the moments of complicity with her daughter and dreams only of a world where women referees will fully have their place, without prejudice or obstacles.
As part of the month dedicated to women’s rights, Bouchra Karboubi returns to the highlights of her career and the evolution of female arbitration in Africa. From her first steps on the fields of Morocco to her ascent to the most prestigious international competitions, she shares her journey strewn with challenges, but also large victories. Between passion, perseverance and determination, she evokes the obstacles she had to overcome to impose herself in a historically male environment, as well as her ambitions for the future. Meeting with a pioneer who embodies excellence and commitment to the service of football.
Cafonline.com: You are an emblematic figure of African arbitration. What motivated you to embrace this career in a field still predominantly male?
Karboubi bouchra: My relationship with sport dates back to my youngest age. I have always been passionate about football, first as a player before becoming a referee. This sport conveys strong values and principles, such as justice, which attracted me to arbitration. Even if this area was, or still remains, very masculine, I wanted to find my place there and contribute to it.
What were the biggest challenges you encountered as an arbitrator and you have overcome?
The first challenge was to obtain acceptance of my family, which is very conservative. With us, it was unthinkable that a girl wears shorts, play football or become a referee. My brothers had trouble accepting my choice, and it was a difficult battle.
Then there was the mentalities and the culture of our society. I had to face prejudices and critical eyes.
As a married woman wishing to start a family, I also encountered difficulties, especially during pregnancy and after childbirth, to find my physical capacities of yesteryear.
Finally, reconcile my job as a policewoman, my passion for arbitration and my family life was not simple. But, thanks to a good organization and the support of my loved ones, I found a balance.
How do you describe the evolution of female arbitration in Africa in recent years?
African female arbitration progresses to excellence. We, the female referees, are present at all levels of competition, whether in FIFA or CAF, and even in male tournaments.
We are found at CAN U-17, U-20, Chan, CAN Senior, Var, and on the field. This progress is the fruit of considerable work of the committee and the CAF arbitration management, which offers us more and more opportunities.
What was your greatest pride as an arbitrator?
Honestly, I can’t cite a single particular match. Each stage of my career has been striking.
At the national level, my greatest pride remains the final of the 2021/22 male throne cup that I had the honor of an officer as the first Moroccan, Arab and African woman to accomplish this feat.
At CAF level, there is in particular the CAN match that I led in Côte d’Ivoire between Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau. But also, and above all, the CAN final, where I was fourth referee. This moment will remain engraved in my story.
On the FIFA stage, my greatest accomplishment was to participate in the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. And of course, the Olympic Games, where I had the chance to arbitrate a semi-final of the Paris Olympics. These are matches that have marked my journey.
What memory do you have of your very first major competition on the international scene?
My first international competition was the female CAN in Ghana, in 2018. I have a particularly strong memory of an unexpected and moving moment.
During training, when we were focused on our exercises, I turned my head and I saw the president of our federation, Mr. Faouzi Lekjaa. He had come to visit us without warning. It was a total surprise! His support and encouragement were a highlight for me. I had tears in my eyes. I can never forget this day.
There are more and more female referees. What advice would you give to young women who wish to follow your way?
I will be brief: in addition to the will, work, sacrifices and humility, there are two keywords that I always repeat young girls: continuity and perseverance.
You have to keep hope, work tirelessly and never give up. Success cannot be built overnight, but with flawless determination.
You were recently rewarded for the Best Referee Prize at CAF Awards last December. What emotion has this distinction aroused in you? And how do you envisage the future after such a reward?
It was a moment of great joy and immense pride. A recognition that will remain engraved in my memory.
For me, this reward is a positive source of energy and additional motivation to redouble their efforts. I am fully aware that if reaching the summit is difficult, staying there is even more. This distinction encourages me to continue working hard to maintain this level of excellence.
What are your goals and ambitions for the years to come in your career as a referee?
I am a candidate for the 2026 male World Cup, and my goal is to be able to participate as an arbitrator and to officer several meetings.
On the female aspect, I am also a candidate for the 2027 Women’s World Cup and I would very much like to arbitrate the final. It would be a consecration.
My ambition is to honor the confidence that CAF gives us, to represent my federation, my country, my confederation and to continue to show that women have their place in arbitration at the highest level.
