Tag: Arab Women Footballers

EGYPTIAN-BRITISH: Deena Rahman: Bahrain’s record-breaking trailblazer

Rahman was one of the first women to be paid to play football in Europe – and set a host of records!

  • Deena Rahman owns five Guinness World Records
  • She was one of the players who got contracts when Fulham became professional in 2000
  • Rahman represented Bahrain in 40 matches, and scored 23 goals

In 2000, almost a decade before the English Football Association awarded the first central contracts to women, Fulham Ladies, at the insistence of club chairman Mohamed Al-Fayed, turned fully professional. It was a watershed moment in the history of women’s football. One of the 16 players paid to play professional football, a first in Europe, was Deena Rahman.

Deena Rahman’s career has since become one of football’s enduring legacies. She has played for the England women’s age group teams, then Bahrain national team. A midfielder during her playing days, the 39-year-old now works to promote gender equality in football while also creating a host of world records. The former Fulham midfielder currently holds five Guinness World Records!

Born to an Egyptian father, Deena Rahman rose through Fulham’s youth ranks, then joined the Arsenal Academy. But she returned to Fulham, and became a member of the team which completed a treble of Premier League National Division, FA Cup and League Cup in 2003. The club became semi-professional soon enough, after three years.

At 15, Rahman made her England U-18 debut. She also represented the country of her birth in two UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championships. However, she retired as a Bahraini player, having scored 23 goals in 40 matches after making her debut in 2011. She is regarded as one of the greatest to have played for the Reds, the nickname for the team from the small Western Asian kingdom.

In her journey – from Fulham to Manama with a brief stoppage in Cairo – Deena Rahman has witnessed a whole gamut of human experience. As a prodigious talent in England, she was a regular at the all-conquering Fulham. But injury and the disbandment of the Cottagers in 2006 forced her to move to Egypt, where she played for Wadi Degla for a brief spell. Another injury sidelined her, and she was back in England.

Then Bahrain came calling, thanks to her association with Arsenal. In 2010, Rahman arrived in the Gulf to work as a coach at Arsenal Soccer School at Soccer City in Janabiya. After five years there, she and her husband Paul Shipwright established their own academy, Tekkers Academy.

Meanwhile, Rahman was also busy creating her own legacy. In 2017, she, along with 32 women from 20 countries, set the Guinness World Record for the highest game of football ever played. And the setting was 18,760 feet above sea level, atop Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania – the highest mountain in Africa.

The following year, Deena Rahman played her part in setting another Guinness World Record, this time for a game of football at the lowest point in the world, the Dead Sea in the Jordan Rift Valley, at 1,412 ft below sea level.

In 2019, Rahman clocked two more Guinness World Records by taking part in a match featuring 822 players during the biggest five-a-side game at Olympic Lyonnaise Training Academy in Meyzieu, Lyon. Then in an exhibition match on the sidelines of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, she got her fourth Guinness World Record as a part of the match with the most nationalities – 114 participants, representing 53 nationalities. In 2020, Rahman secured her fifth record by hammering 7,876 penalties in 24 hours at the Kick Off Academy in Saar.

source//content: fifa.com (headline edited) / Jayanta Oinam

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BRITISH / EGYPTIAN / BAHRAIN

MOROCCO: Zineb Rechiche, First Arab Woman in UAE to obtain a FIFA Football Agent licence

Zineb, a remarkable 34-year-old Moroccan woman with a passion for football and an extraordinary career journey, has made history as the first Arab woman in the UAE to obtain a FIFA Football Agent licence. This achievement marks the pinnacle of a multifaceted career that spans two decades of professional football, executive leadership roles in global corporations.

Born with a profound love for the beautiful game, Zineb embarked on her professional football journey at the tender age of 14. For an impressive 20 years, she showcased her exceptional skills on the pitch, earning acclaim and respect both locally and internationally. Her unwavering dedication and talent opened doors that would eventually lead her to a groundbreaking role as a FIFA agent.

Parallel to her football career, Zineb pursued her academic dreams, earning a Trilingual Finance Degree from HEC Montreal and further honing her skills at ICADE Business School. Armed with a strong educational foundation, she ventured into the corporate world, joining prestigious global corporations such as GE. Zineb seamlessly balanced her roles on and off the football field, demonstrating exceptional leadership and managerial prowess.

One of Zineb’s most impressive accomplishments is her cultural and linguistic versatility. Having lived in 13 countries, she possesses a deep understanding of international cultures, fostering an open-mindedness and adaptability that have been instrumental in her career success. Fluent in four languages – Arabic, English, French & Spanish – she transcends cultural and geographical boundaries with ease. Her ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds has played a pivotal role in her professional success and global experiences. Her journey through these diverse landscapes has imbued her with a unique perspective that she now brings to her role as a FIFA agent.

In a life defined by extraordinary achievements, Zineb’s latest feat as the first Arab female FIFA agent in the UAE is nothing short of groundbreaking. She successfully passed the rigorous FIFA Football Agent exam, solidifying her position as a trailblazer in the world of sports and representation. Her new role will enable her to empower athletes, foster talent, and advocate for gender equality in the world of football.

Zineb serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, young professionals, and women worldwide, proving that determination, passion, and a commitment to excellence can break down barriers and open doors to limitless possibilities.

With this historic achievement, Zineb continues to write her own remarkable story, leaving an indelible mark on the world of sports, corporate leadership, and international relations. Her journey stands as a testament to the power of ambition and the potential of the human spirit.

source/content: gulftoday.ae (headline edited)

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Zineb Rechiche

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MOROCCO

MOROCCO: Nouhaila Benzina is the First Player to Wear a Hijab at the Women’s World Cup. Why were they once banned by FIFA?

When Nouhaila Benzina stepped onto the field for Morocco’s first match of the Women’s World Cup against Germany, she made history.

She became the first player to wear the Islamic headscarf at the senior-level Women’s World Cup. 

Had Morocco qualified for the Women’s World Cup a decade ago, a player who wanted to wear the hijab during a game might have been forced to choose between faith and football.

That was until 2014, when head coverings were officially authorised by FIFA.

Who is Nouhaila Benzina? 

She’s a 25-year-old defender on Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses.

In recent weeks, Benzina shared social media posts from others about the history-making nature of her World Cup appearance.

“Lots of work was done over many years, and thank God it had a positive result,” Benzina told Al Jazeera.

“We hope to play at a high level and honour Moroccans.”

‘That could be me’

Morocco are one of eight teams making their debut at the FIFA Women’s World Cup this year, alongside Haiti, The Republic of Ireland, Panama, the Philippines, Portugal, Vietnam and Zambia. 

“We are honoured to be the first Arab country to take part in the Women’s World Cup,” Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak said on Sunday.

“Girls will look at Benzina (and think) ‘That could be me,’” said Assmaah Helal, a co-founder of the Muslim Women in Sports Network said of the hijab.

“Also the policymakers, the decision-makers, the administrators will say, ‘We need to do more in our country to create these accepting and open and inclusive spaces for women and girls to participate in the game.’”

Why did FIFA ban the hijab before? 

FIFA cited “health and safety” concerns, some related to possible choking, with regulations forbidding “equipment that is dangerous to himself or another player.”

An incident in 2007 instigated the official ban.

Canadian girl Asmahan Mansour — who was 11 years old at the time — attempted to wear a headscarf at a tournament but the referee said it wasn’t permitted. 

She was told she could remove it and play, but her hijab would not be permitted on the pitch.

When the issue reached FIFA, the sport’s global governing body banned head coverings in competitions it sanctioned, except for coverings that exposed the neck.

Initially, FIFA cited “religious symbolism” as a reason for not permitting head coverings. 

But considering the multitude of tattoos, signing of the cross and goal celebrations by footballers, it became too difficult to enforce.

Helal was among the social activists, Muslim athletes, and government and soccer officials who worked to overturn the ban.

Speaking on the 2007 ban, Helal said it “sent a strong message to Muslim women, particularly those who wear hijabs, (that) we don’t belong.”

A two-year trial was granted 

In 2012, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) allowed players to wear head coverings at international competitions over a two-year period following a request from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). 

No senior-level World Cups, men’s or women’s, were scheduled during the trial period.

Ban on head coverings lifted in 2014 

In March 2014, FIFA lifted its ban on head coverings.

The decision was announced at a meeting of International Football Association Board in Zurich.

FIFA’s then secretary general Jérôme Valcke said hijabs and turbans were permitted on the field. 

“It was decided that female players can cover their heads to play,” he said. 

“Male players can play with head covers too. 

“It will be a basic head cover and the colour should be the same as the team jersey.”

Helal said that since the ban was lifted, she has seen an increase in Muslim girls and women playing soccer, pursuing coaching pathways and leading their own football clubs.

“I think it’s key to understand that the hijab is an essential part of a Muslim woman, should she choose to wear it,” Helal said.

“It’s actually part of our identities.”

A Melbourne resident who attended Morocco’s public practice session last week, Maryan Hagi-Hashi, said she is supporting the Atlas Lionesses alongside tournament co-host Australia.

She appreciates the representation that the Moroccan team and Benzina provide, she said.

“There’s a mixture of (Muslim) women that wear hijab and don’t wear a hijab,” Hagi-Hashi said.

“I think the world has realised there is diversity.”

Two years after the ban was lifted, the under-17 Women’s World Cup in Jordan marked the first time Muslim players wore headscarves during an international FIFA event.

ABC with wires

source/content: abc.net.au / ABC News / (headline edited)

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pix: instagram.com/benzinanouhaila

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MOROCCO

MOROCCO: First Arab Nation to Play a Wafcon Final : The Atlas Lionesses of Morocco

The Atlas Lionesses wrote a page in the history of Women’s football as they became the first Arab nation to play a Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final.

Morocco’s Women National Football (MWNF) team has been making headlines as their popularity has grown since last year’s Wafcon (Women’s Africa Cup of Nations) final, in July 2022.

Hosted by Morocco, the Wafcon tournament marked the rise of the Atlas Lionesses as they became the first Arab nation to play a final for this tournament, when they faced off against South Africa.

As they prepare for this year’s 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, it is worthwhile to look back on the MWNF team’s great accomplishment last year and what it means for the rest of the world.

The Atlas Lionesses’ Eye-Catching Adventure At Wafcon 2022

With Football having been traditionally viewed as a men’s game in the region, the MWNF team captured the hearts and imagination of girls and women from the Arab region as they achieved a milestone at the 2022 Wafcon.

Although South Africa ended up winning the title, the Atlas Lionesses gained recognition for their impressive skills and outstanding performances, securing the 7th rank in Africa and the 72nd place in the FIFA global ranking.

Before reaching the final, the MWNF team had beaten Botswana and Nigeria in two spectacular football matches, allowing them to secure a ticket to participate in the 2023 Women’s World Cup, which will take place in Australia and New Zealand.

Impressing many football personalities, the team’s remarkable performance also saw the rise of a number of star players in the team as Ghizlane Chebbak, Fatima Tagnaout, and Zineb Redouani were listed among the “best eleven” by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). 

In addition to that, Morocco’s captain Chebbak was named the best player of the 2022 Wafcon and received the “Woman of the Tournament” award following the match against South Africa.

Commenting on the Atlas Lionesses’ performance at last year’s Wafcon, MWNF coach Reynald Pedros expressed his eagerness to reach new heights with his team: “We will continue to work. This is just the beginning of a new adventure.”

Recognition by international media

Various local and regional news outlets put the spotlight on the MWNF team’s achievements, acknowledging their contribution to Morocco’s football development, alongside the Atlas Lions’ incredible performance at the last men’s World Cup.

For instance, International football’s governing body FIFA described the year of 2022 as “Morocco’s miracle year of continental and international success” and emphasized the women’s team’s role in paving the way for Moroccan football to become a leading global symbol.

For Africa News, women’s football may be at a turning point as its popularity is growing exponentially, proven by the attendance record of the final Wafcon match which counted around 50,000 supporters at the Prince Moulay-Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The article also acknowledged Morocco as “the first North African country to host the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in the 24-year history of the continental competition.”

Earlier this week, the Atlas Lionesses headed to Australia ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup as the only representative of the Middle East and North Africa region in this prestigious global tournament.

source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited)

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Morocco women football team

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MOROCCO

Jordan Winner of the ‘ 2021 Arab Women’s Cup’ : September 2021

Jordan claim 2021 Arab Women’s Cup after late 1-0 win over Tunisia.

 Jordan beat Tunisia in the final 1-0 to win the 2021 Arab Women’s Cup in Cairo, Egypt, the second edition of the competition that was first held in Alexandria in 2006.

Maysa Jbarah, who had scored twice in the semifinal win over Egypt, once again proved the hero, scoring the winning goal in stoppage time just when it looked like the teams would not be separated.

The Arab Women’s Cup is organised by the Union of Arab Football Associations (UAFA) that covers the Middle East and North Africa.

The 2021 edition saw seven teams compete – Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Sudan and Tunisia.

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pix: the-afc.com

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JORDAN