Josephine Wanjiru, a Kenyan referee, chosen to oversee matches at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup tournament.
Six African Female Referees Set to Make History at 2025 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup
The FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, set to take place from October 17 to November 8, 2025, in Morocco, will see a significant representation of African female referees[1][3][5]. This global youth tournament for women's football will mark a historic moment as Morocco hosts the U-17 Women's World Cup for the next five years, and it is the first edition to feature 24 teams, emphasizing the growth of women’s football worldwide[1].
The African contingent includes referees such as Kenya’s Josephine Wanjiru, Rwanda’s Alice Umutesi, and Burundi’s Fides Banjurambona, who will join Yacine Samassa of Mauritania[3][5]. Their inclusion underscores the increasing involvement and development of female match officials from Africa on the international stage. However, it is also noteworthy that Nigeria, despite being a strong football nation in Africa, had no referees selected for this tournament, continuing a concerning trend regarding Nigerian representation in FIFA women’s tournaments[2].
The appointment of Wanjiru highlights Africa's expanding role in international football officiating. The diverse lineup of officials for the tournament includes 18 referees and 36 assistant referees from 36 different FIFA Member Associations, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and the depth of female officiating talent[1][3]. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has been actively promoting gender equity and developing refereeing standards across the continent[4].
Four African assistant referees, Yara Atef from Egypt, Alice Umutesi of Rwanda, Fides Bangurambona from Burundi, and Senegal's Tabara Mbodji, have also been included in the lineup for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup[3][5]. The inclusion of six African officials at the tournament marks a significant milestone in the continent's journey toward parity and excellence in football officiating.
The tournament offers invaluable learning opportunities for officials to grow in their careers, benefiting the global development of women’s football. According to Pierluigi Collina, Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, the tournament is a platform for both young players and referees to gain international experience and improve their skills[1][2]. Bibiana Steinhaus-Webb, FIFA Head of Women’s Refereeing, also emphasized Morocco’s passion for women’s football and the importance of the tournament in nurturing talent in the sport[1][2].
In summary, the background of African female referees at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup is set against the backdrop of a historic tournament in Morocco, with Africa making a meaningful contribution through its officials. Their presence underscores efforts to develop women referees internationally while highlighting ongoing challenges, such as uneven representation within the continent among different countries[1][2][3][5]. The tournament is a prestigious global event, and the inclusion of six African officials marks a notable achievement for the continent in football officiating.
References: 1. FIFA.com 2. BBC Sport 3. ESPN 4. CAFonline.com 5. Goal.com
The African female referees, such as Josephine Wanjiru, Alice Umutesi, and Fides Banjurambona, are poised to contribute significantly to the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, showcasing their skills in both football and sports. This tournament, marking the expansion of women's football globally, offers invaluable opportunities for these officials to grow and excel in their careers.
