Celebrated Rwandan referee Salma Radia Mukansanga has called time on international refereeing at the age of 36. She confirmed her decisions to B&B Kigali FM, a local sports radio station. It is a decidion I took on my own will, Mukansanga said. She will, however, continue to serve duties using a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) after passing extensive courses. Mukansanga has enjoyed a successful refereeing career spanning a period of 12 years. She acquired her FIFA Badge in 2012. She made history on January 18, 2022 when she became the first woman to officiate at the Africa Cup of National held in Cameroon when she officiated the Group B game between Guinea and Zimbabwe. ALSO READ: Star referee Mukansanga lands deal as MTN brand ambassador 2022 was arguably the referee’s golden year during which she was also selected to officiate at the men’s FIFA World Cup which took place in Qatar. She officially became the first African woman to handle a men’s World Cup match when France defeated Australia in their opening Group D encounter. Besides, the Rusizi-born referee also officiated at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Women’s AFCON, Women’s FIFA World Cup and Women CAF Champions League among other major football competitions. In December 2022, she was recognized as one of BBC's 100 most influential women in the world.
