Kenyan football referee Josephine Wanjiku in action during a past match.[FKF Media]
Kenyan referee Josephine Wanjiru has been selected to officiate at the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The tournament is scheduled to take place from October 17 to November 8, 2025, with the appointment highlighting Africa’s expanding role in international football officiating.
FIFA’s Referees Committee announced a diverse lineup of officials for the tournament, stressing the continent’s growing presence on the global stage.
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A total of 54 match officials, including 18 referees and 36 assistant referees from 36 different FIFA Member Associations, will oversee the competition.
Among the distinguished referees to join Wanjiru is Yacine Samassa of Mauritania.
Joining them are four African assistant referees: Yara Atef from Egypt, Alice Umutesi of Rwanda, Fides Bangurambona from Burundi, and Senegal’s Tabara Mbodji. This diverse group underscores the depth of female officiating talent emerging from Africa, reflecting ongoing efforts by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to promote gender equity and develop refereeing standards across the continent.
The inclusion of six African officials at such a prestigious global tournament marks a significant milestone in the continent’s journey toward parity and excellence in football officiating.