Bouchra Karboubi is a trailblazing Moroccan policewoman and football referee who recently made headlines by officiating the Harambee Stars’ goalless friendly match against Chad in Marrakech. At 38 years old, Karboubi has established herself as one of Africa’s top referees, breaking numerous barriers and setting records in the male-dominated world of football officiating.
Her journey is far from ordinary. Coming from a conservative background, Karboubi faced strong opposition from her own family, with her brothers actively discouraging her by tearing up her refereeing flags. It was considered shameful in her community for a woman to wear shorts and share the pitch with men. Despite this, her determination remained unwavering. Her father’s support began only after he witnessed her officiate a men’s game in 2007, marking a turning point that helped her continue pursuing her passion.
Karboubi’s accomplishments are remarkable and diverse. She was the first female referee to oversee a match in Morocco’s top professional football league, Botola Pro 1, and later became the first female to officiate the final match of Morocco’s prestigious Throne Cup. On the international stage, she has officiated in some of the world’s most important tournaments, including the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand and Australia, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and the Paris 2024 Olympics.
At the 2023 AFCON tournament, she was among six female referees appointed, but notably, she was the only one to serve as the center referee. This appointment made her the second woman ever to officiate a men’s AFCON match and the first Arab woman to do so. She led an all-female refereeing crew in the 2024 AFCON match between Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau, a historic first for the tournament.
Karboubi’s career is defined by a string of groundbreaking firsts, especially for women in Arab and African football. Her success is a powerful symbol of breaking cultural and religious barriers while also balancing the demanding roles of being a mother and a policewoman. She juggles her refereeing duties with her work as a police inspector based in Meknes, Morocco, and motherhood to her seven-year-old daughter.
Her dual roles complement each other. Karboubi sees parallels between enforcing the law as a police officer and applying the rules on the football field as a referee. This crossover has strengthened her personality and resilience, qualities essential both on the pitch and in law enforcement. She emphasizes that while she is a police officer and referee professionally, at home she embraces her role as a woman and mother, demonstrating the complex balancing act many professional women manage.
Recognition of her excellence is reflected in her being voted the 2024 Referee of the Year at the CAF Awards, a prestigious accolade that highlights her outstanding contributions and performance in football officiating. She views this award as a source of motivation, fueling her ambition to maintain her high standards and continue excelling in her career.
Looking ahead, Bouchra Karboubi has her sights set on further milestones. She is a candidate to referee at the 2026 Men’s World Cup and the 2027 Women’s World Cup, where she dreams of officiating the final match an achievement that would crown her illustrious career.
Karboubi’s story is inspiring not just for women aspiring to enter male-dominated fields but for anyone facing societal resistance. Her success underscores the power of perseverance, dedication, and breaking down barriers, proving that with passion and resilience, one can excel across multiple demanding roles and set new standards of excellence on the global stage.
