Riem Hussein (born 26 July 1980) is a German football referee and veterinarian. She is recognized for her pioneering role in officiating men's professional football matches in Germany and for her appointments to major international women's football tournaments.
Early Life and Career Born in Bad Harzburg, West Germany, Riem Hussein began her refereeing career in the early 2000s. She quickly progressed through the ranks of German football officiating. Her primary profession outside of football is as a veterinarian, having earned her degree and practicing in this field.
National Refereeing Career Hussein started officiating matches in the Frauen-Bundesliga, Germany's top women's football league, in 2005. Her consistent performance led to her being appointed to men's football. She refereed in the men's Regionalliga (fourth division) before making history on 5 September 2015, when she became the first woman to referee a men's 3. Liga (third division) match in Germany, overseeing the fixture between Preußen Münster and Werder Bremen II. She has continued to officiate regularly in the 3. Liga, establishing herself as a respected figure in German refereeing.
International Refereeing Career Hussein became a FIFA referee in 2010, allowing her to officiate international matches. Her international career highlights include:
- UEFA Women's Champions League: Regularly appointed to matches in Europe's premier club competition for women.
- UEFA Women's Euro: Selected as a referee for the UEFA Women's Euro 2017 in the Netherlands, where she officiated several group stage matches and the semi-final between Denmark and Austria.
- FIFA Women's World Cup: Appointed to the FIFA Women's World Cup 2019 in France, where she officiated group stage matches and the quarter-final between Norway and England.
- She has also officiated numerous FIFA Women's World Cup qualification matches and UEFA Women's Euro qualification matches.
Riem Hussein is widely regarded as one of the top female referees globally, known for her calm demeanor, authoritative presence, and precise decision-making on the field.