Kirkuk woman breaks barriers as soccer referee in male-dominated field

KIRKUK — In a sports culture long dominated by men, Aisha Atab has emerged as one of the few women officiating official soccer matches under the Iraqi Football Association’s Kirkuk branch, challenging norms and setting new ground for female participation in the game.

Atab’s interest in soccer began in childhood, when she would accompany her father to local stadiums. “I’ve been passionate about soccer since elementary school,” she told 964media. “After graduating, I enrolled in a referee training course in 2024. It was an important experience, especially since only three of the 45 participants were women.”

After completing the course, Atab began officiating in various categories, including veterans, juniors, and the under-14 national league. She has served as a fourth official, assistant referee, and center referee in matches across Kirkuk.

“My first match as a fourth official was a turning point,” she said. “It was the first time a girl had appeared on the field as a referee, and the crowd’s reaction was noticeable.”

She credited her family’s support—especially from her parents and siblings—with helping her advance. “The support I received from my family was key to continuing and advancing in this path,” she said.

Her brother, Ahmed Atab, said her presence on the field marks a meaningful step for women in Iraqi sports. “It’s very rare to see female referees in Iraq’s stadiums, but Aisha broke that barrier with confidence. We’ve supported her from the beginning, and I think this is a real step forward for women’s soccer,” he said.

“I hope to see her officiating international matches in the future,” he added. “She’s making clear progress, and I’m very proud of her.”