In what seems to be an ongoing battle of the sexes, Egypt scored a huge goal when Sarah Samir set foot on the pitch to become the first female referee in an official men’s football game.
On January 18 th, The Egyptian Football Associations (EFA) assigned Samir to officiate the third division match between Wadi Degla FC and Talaea El Geish SC.
"I believe that it will be a very good idea if more female referees take charge of men's football matches. Players become highly disciplined when I take charge of any match in the lower divisions," Samir told Ahram Online.
"We are in an Eastern society where men usually refrain from obscenities in the presence of women. For instance, in the fourth division players usually hurl a barrage of insults but when I refereed some matches in that tier, I found nothing but respect."
Despite some shock from the players and attendees, the news was met with wide support on the social networks, with everyone applauding Samir and the EFA. In statements to television program "Sports Hour," Samir said that she faced no difficulties refereeing the match, and that she hoped to officiate more games in the future.
Samir also mentioned that Egypt has a total of seven female referees, five of them being assistant referees.
Does this mean Egypt is expected to see more female referees in official men’s leagues? We certainly hope so.