In a statement posted on Instagram, Karboubi addressed widespread speculation surrounding her withdrawal from football, rejecting claims that she lacked experience or merit. “I was not a novice referee,” she wrote. “I succeeded,” she said, but chose self-respect and faith over remaining in an environment she felt compromised her dignity. Hours after the list was released, Karboubi announced that she was retiring effective immediately. In a letter sent at the time to Royal Moroccan Football Federation president Fouzi Lekjaa, Karboubi accused the National Refereeing Directorate of blocking her progress and forcing a premature end to her career.