CAF has named 46 officials for WAFCON 2024, marking a record high and a leap for women in African football.
With elite referees like Karboubi and Mukansanga on board, the Morocco-hosted tournament promises historic moments on and off pitch.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced the list of match officials selected to officiate the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), set to take place in Morocco from July 5 to July 26. In a record-breaking move, 46 referees, assistant referees, and Video Assistant Referees (VAR) have been chosen to oversee the tournament, surpassing the previous high of 40 officials at the 2022 edition.
This year’s selection includes some of Africa’s finest female match officials, representing 30 countries across the continent. The group comprises 18 center referees, 18 assistant referees, and 10 VAR operators, reflecting CAF’s ongoing commitment to improving the standard of officiating and increasing female representation in African football.
Morocco, as the host nation, leads the way with five officials chosen for the tournament, more than any other country. Among them is Bouchra Karboubi, a trailblazing figure in African refereeing who previously made headlines by officiating at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire and is also scheduled to participate in the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Also making a return is Rwandan referee Salima Mukansanga, who famously officiated the WAFCON 2022 final between Morocco and South Africa. Mukansanga will serve as one of the accredited VAR officials for this year’s event, bringing with her a wealth of experience and global recognition.
The increasing use of VAR in African competitions is another indicator of CAF’s efforts to modernize the game and align with international standards. With 10 VAR operators on the list, this WAFCON will see wider deployment of video technology to support referees in making more accurate decisions on the field.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) decision to increase the number of officials for WAFCON 2024 is not only a reflection of the tournament’s growing stature but also of the organization’s broader vision to empower women in football, both on and off the pitch. By selecting an unprecedented number of referees and assistants, CAF is opening more opportunities for female officials to gain high-level international experience.
The 2024 tournament in Morocco promises to be the most competitive edition yet, with top national teams from across Africa set to battle for the coveted title. Alongside the high-profile players and teams, this year’s record-setting panel of match officials will play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and smooth execution of the games.
This announcement also follows CAF’s continued partnership expansion efforts. The organization recently sealed deals to make key sponsors official global partners of AFCON 2025 and 2027, underlining the growing commercial interest in African football. Initiatives like these, alongside increased support for refereeing programs, are fueling the dreams of aspiring players and officials alike across the continent.
As the countdown to the WAFCON 2024 finals begins, all eyes will be on Morocco, not just for the action on the pitch but for the milestone moments off it. The presence of elite female referees like Karboubi and Mukansanga symbolizes progress and underscores the vital role women continue to play in the development of African football.
With the tournament running from Saturday, July 5, to Saturday, July 26, fans can look forward to nearly a month of elite competition, guided by a group of highly trained and well-prepared officials who are ready to make history.
