AFCON 2025: Top African Referee Angrily Retires After Shock Exclusion

AFCON 2025: Top African Referee Angrily Retires After Shock Exclusion

Sampson Adedeji

Morocco’s trailblazing referee Bouchra Karboubi has officially announced her retirement from active refereeing after being excluded from the list of match officials selected for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Karboubi, widely regarded as one of Africa’s finest and most respected referees, expressed deep disappointment over her omission, particularly given that the continental showpiece was taking place in her home country.

Her retirement announcement has sparked reactions across African football circles, with many describing her exclusion as shocking and unjust.

The experienced referee made history by becoming the first woman to officiate a senior men’s CAF Champions League match and also featured prominently at AFCON 2023 in the Ivory Coast, where she received widespread praise for her professionalism, fairness, and game management.

However, despite her achievements and strong reputation, Karboubi’s name was absent from the final list of referees released by CAF for the 2025 AFCON.

According to reports, the Moroccan official felt “hurt and disrespected” by the decision and immediately opted to call time on her career. Her retirement marks the end of an inspiring journey that opened doors for female referees across Africa and beyond.

Fans, players, and football analysts continue to express shock at losing such a high-profile figure just months before Africa’s biggest football festival kicks off.

With Morocco hosting the tournament, many believed she would be a key part of the officiating crew yet her unexpected exclusion has now left a major question mark over the referee selection process.

Karboubi leaves the game as a history-maker, role model, and one of the most influential African referees of her generation.