In a significant development for international football officiating, Rwandan referee Salima Mukansanga has announced her retirement from on-field refereeing at age 36, pivoting to focus exclusively on Video Assistant Referee (VAR) duties. The announcement came during an interview on October 22, 2024, marking the end of her illustrious 12-year career as an active referee.
Breaking Barriers in International Football
Mukansanga’s journey to becoming one of football’s most respected officials began unexpectedly on the basketball court. Her transition to football proved transformative, as she went on to establish numerous groundbreaking achievements in the sport:
- First female African referee at the Men’s FIFA World Cup (Qatar 2022)
- Pioneer as the first woman to referee at the African Cup of Nations
- Led the first all-woman officiating team in major African football
- Named among BBC’s 100 most influential women in 2022
Historic World Cup Appearance
During the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Mukansanga made history as part of a select group of three women chosen to officiate at the tournament. Her most notable appearance came as the fourth official in the match between France and Australia, which saw the defending champions secure a 4-1 victory.
Distinguished International Career
Throughout her career, Mukansanga’s expertise has been showcased across multiple prestigious tournaments:
Tournament | Role |
---|---|
Olympics | Match Official |
FIFA Women’s World Cup | Referee |
Africa Women Cup of Nations | Lead Referee |
CAF Women’s Champions League | Match Official |
Pioneering All-Women Officiating Team
In a landmark moment for African football, Mukansanga led an all-woman officiating team at the African Cup of Nations, featuring:
- Fatiha Jermoumi (Morocco)
- Carine Atemzabong (Cameroon)
- Bouchra Karboubi (Morocco) as VAR
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Continued Impact in Football
Despite stepping away from on-field duties, Mukansanga’s influence in football will continue through her new role as a specialized VAR official. Her transition represents the evolution of modern football officiating, where experience meets technology to enhance the game’s fairness and accuracy.
Legacy and Recognition
Mukansanga’s career has been marked by consistent recognition of her excellence and pioneering spirit. Her appointment to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup officiating pool in Australia and New Zealand further cemented her status as one of football’s most accomplished officials.
The decision to retire, made entirely on her own terms, demonstrates Mukansanga’s commitment to evolving with the sport she has helped shape. Her transition to VAR ensures that her expertise and experience will continue to benefit football at the highest levels, while paving the way for the next generation of officials.
This voluntary career shift reflects the changing landscape of football officiating, where technological expertise is becoming increasingly crucial. Mukansanga’s move to VAR represents not an ending, but a new chapter in her remarkable contribution to international football.
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