Rabat – Morocco’s representation at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup extends beyond the players competing on the pitch, with two Moroccan referees, Zoulikha Hermas and Ihssane Ennawajli, taking part in the global tournament hosted by the Kingdom this October.
Their presence highlights the contribution of Moroccan women to international football and reflects the growing visibility of national refereeing talent at major competitions.
Hermas will participate as an international referee, a status she has held since 2024. In this role, she belongs to the group of officials entrusted with overseeing matches and ensuring that the laws of the game are applied on the pitch.
Ennawajli, meanwhile, has held international assistant referee status since 2019. Assistant referees play an essential role in match officiating, working alongside the referee to monitor offside situations, identify incidents that may occur outside the main official’s field of vision, and assist with other decisions throughout a game.
Although their responsibilities differ, both positions require a strong understanding of the laws of football, concentration, physical fitness, and the ability to make decisions under pressure.
Their selection for an international tournament of this level places them among the Moroccan officials contributing to the country’s presence in the international game.
A growing presence for Moroccan Women in refereeing
The participation of Hermas and Ennawajli also draws attention to the development of women’s refereeing in Morocco.
While players often receive the greatest public attention during major football tournaments, referees and assistant referees remain essential to the successful organization of competitions. Their work requires technical knowledge, discipline, impartiality, and the ability to manage demanding situations in front of players, coaches, and spectators.
For women pursuing careers in refereeing, opportunities to participate in international competitions can provide valuable experience and greater professional visibility.
Hermas’s international status, which dates back to 2024, and Ennawajli’s experience as an international assistant referee since 2019 represent two different stages of their professional journeys. Together, their participation illustrates the presence of Moroccan women in key officiating roles within the sport.
Their involvement also offers an opportunity to recognize the work of female officials who contribute to football beyond the spotlight usually reserved for players and coaches.
Morocco’s role in Women’s football
Hosting the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup gives Morocco an opportunity to showcase its involvement in women’s football at several levels, from the organization of an international competition to the participation of national players, referees, and other professionals.
The presence of Hermas and Ennawajli adds to this representation by highlighting Moroccan expertise in match officiating.
Their participation can also help encourage young girls who aspire to enter refereeing, demonstrating that opportunities in football extend beyond playing professionally.
Refereeing offers a distinct career path within the sport, allowing women to develop technical expertise and contribute directly to the management of matches and the application of football regulations.
The tournament therefore provides a platform not only for emerging players but also for the officials responsible for ensuring fair competition.
For Moroccan women’s football, the involvement of Hermas and Ennawajli represents another opportunity to highlight the country’s female talent and the importance of creating opportunities for women across different football professions.
As Morocco hosts the international competition, their presence underscores the role of national referees in the wider development of the game and the growing visibility of Moroccan women on the international football stage.
