Moroccan referee Bouchra Karboubi has announced her retirement from officiating just hours after the release of the referee list for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations ; a list that notably excluded her.
The leaked AFCON appointments, published on Tuesday, featured Moroccan officials Jalal Jayed and Kach Grafe Mustapha, but Karboubi’s name was absent. Her omission shocked many observers, given her high-profile reputation across African football and her appearances at major global events, including the Women’s World Cup.
In a public statement, Karboubi expressed pride in representing Morocco throughout her 25-year refereeing journey. She spoke of her commitment to the national game and gratitude for the support she received over the years, saying she always carried her duties with “dedication and a sense of national responsibility.”
However, her message later took a confrontational turn. Karboubi accused the National Arbitration Directorate of obstructing her development and undermining the career she spent decades building. According to her, internal decisions within the refereeing structure left her with “no path forward,” ultimately forcing her to walk away from the profession.
The National Arbitration Directorate has yet to issue a response.
Karboubi’s sudden retirement ; immediately following the AFCON snub raises serious questions about internal tensions within Moroccan refereeing. The departure of one of the continent’s most respected female officials suggests wider structural issues may have been simmering long before the official tournament list was made public.
