UK: 1st Muslim woman referee eyes Premier League

LONDON (AA) – A Somalian migrant aiming to be the first Muslim woman to become a referee in the English Premier League says she is determined to play a part in the world of football.

Jawahir Roble, 26, who came to the UK at the age of 10 when her family fled a civil war in Somalia, has attracted attention with her efforts to become a football referee.

“Football has been something I always wanted to do,” she said on ITV’s Good Morning Britain program on Friday.

She said there were not enough role models for young Muslim girls in the world of football, a game that has always been an obsession for her.

Roble, called JJ by her friends, said she became a football fanatic when her family moved to Wembley – home to the greatest stadium in the country.

She played football, completed a coaching program and earned the Football Association’s qualification, before taking a refereeing course.

She has worn a hijab throughout her career.

She said playing the game helped her learn English quicker, adding that football enables a person to overcome language barriers and communicate with people anywhere in the world.

Roble, who recently received praise from Europe’s top football body UEFA, said her family is “really proud” of her.

Last month, in a special interview with The Guardian newspaper, she said: “Once I am on the pitch and I blow the whistle to start the game, I am not a refugee, my hijab does not matter, my gender or the color of my skin does not matter, I am a referee and I know how to do my job well, that is it.”

“I see it in their eyes, some of the players and fans too, the disbelief in their faces is clear,” she said.

“But I don’t let that stop me from doing my work. Refereeing is a tough job, there is a lot of pressure, you have to be focused and make quick decisions, so I don’t have time to think about what people think of me.”