By Awambeng Fuh
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
Moroccan international referee Bouchra Karboubi has announced her retirement from football officiating, citing disappointment after being left out of the list of match officials for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Morocco is set to host.
In a letter addressed to the president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Karboubi expressed gratitude for the support she received throughout her career but described recent decisions as leaving her with “deep sadness” and a sense of marginalisation.
Karboubi, widely regarded as one of Africa’s most respected referees, has served the game for more than 25 years, striving to represent Morocco honourably at international and continental competitions. She officiated several high-profile games, including the World Cup 2018 final between Nigeria and South Africa, crucial Olympic qualifiers, and multiple men’s and women’s Africa Cup of Nations matches. More recently, she took charge of the Women’s Club World Cup clash between Wuhan FC and Auckland FC.
Her retirement at the age of 37 comes as a major shock, particularly given that Morocco is hosting the next AFCON. However, her career in recent months had been marked by some challenges. She faced criticism for a below-par performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup clash between Côte d’Ivoire and Burundi, and an earlier CHAN tournament assignment where her performance led to an early return home. Karboubi was also battling an injury that worsened during the Women’s Club World Cup match between Wuhan FC and Auckland FC last month in China. She said that her exclusion from officiating assignments — culminating in her omission from the AFCON 2025 referees’ list — combined with these struggles, compelled her to make a “difficult decision.”
“I hereby announce my retirement from refereeing,” she wrote.
Despite stepping away from officiating, Karboubi will continue her career as a police officer in Morocco, meaning she will still play a role in ensuring a successful AFCON.
Legacy and Impact
Over her career, Karboubi became a trailblazer for women’s refereeing in Africa. She was admired not only for her technical proficiency but also for her ability to command respect in both men’s and women’s football at the highest levels. Many young African female referees cite her as an inspiration, noting her presence in major tournaments as proof that women can officiate at the pinnacle of the sport.
Her departure highlights ongoing discussions about the recognition and inclusion of women officials in African football. For Morocco, losing one of its most experienced referees ahead of a home AFCON is both a symbolic and practical setback — but her continued public service in law enforcement ensures she remains connected to the game in a meaningful way.
The announcement has sparked strong reactions across African football circles, with many expressing surprise that one of the continent’s most prominent female officials would not be part of a tournament on home soil.
The Moroccan Football Federation has yet to comment on her retirement.
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