Egypt's women move onto soccer field
As Egypt prepares to participate in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, more women move to the soccer field, both as referees and fans.
CAIRO — Soccer fans in Egypt were surprised when they watched Egypt's Second Division game between Haras El Hodoud and Beni Ebeid on April 19: The two assistant referees were women.
Mona Atallah has been in the headlines since last month, as she is the first female assistant referee in a men's soccer game in Egypt. On April 23, Eurosport Arabia published an article with the headline, “Mona Atallah: The first woman assistant referee in a men's match.”
The second assistant referee, who is assigned to one of the two touchlines, in the April game between Haras El Hodoun and Beni Ebeid was Poussi Said.
Atallah and Said aren't the first female soccer referees in Egypt. In 2015, Sarah Samir officiated games for children and youth. Atallah, however, is the first female referee in Egypt's Second Division.
