Egyptian woman makes history as football referee

A 26-year-old woman from Egypt's rural Sharqia district has made history when she became the first Egyptian woman to referee an official football match.

Sara Samir took control of the under-17s Egyptian Premier League match between Wadi Degla and Talaea al-Gaish on Sunday, to the apparent bemusement of some players.

While the youth league is not the premier competition in Egypt, it was good practice for Samir as she prepares to referee in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, being held later this year in Canada.

Speaking to an Egyptian television channel after the under-17s game, Samir said: "At the start of the match the players' jaws dropped when they saw me on the field. I told them I am an internationally qualified referee and we went on with the game. The players and coaches were very respectful and thanked me after the game."

Samir aims to change perceptions about women playing football in Egypt through her refereeing.

The match ended 2-0 to Wadi Degla.

A former footballer herself, Samir, spoke to Filgoal.com saying that she aimed to change perceptions about women's football in Egypt through her refereeing.

"I started seven years ago as an lineswoman in the second and third divisions, and in the past two years I have refereed youth games in the lower divisions and women's world cup qualifiers," she said.

Samir said she has faced many difficulties on the pitch but has prevealied by showing respect to players and officials.

She said she hopes to referee a match in the senior Egyptian Premier League, and has urged the Egyptian FA to give her a chance.