Stephanie Frappart: First Woman Referee To Officiate UEFA Super Cup

Football fans can cheer out loud as Stephanie Frappart has been appointed to officiate in a match at the European Super Cup between Liverpool and Chelsea in Istanbul. The match is scheduled for August 14, making her the first woman to officiate a major UEFA men's showpiece event.

Frappart 35, has been appointment as the referee on Friday, UEFA announced. The Frenchwoman had also refereed the Women’s World Cup final between the United States and the Netherlands in July, and last season became the first female to officiate a League 1 match. She will now lead a team of predominantly female officials, with Manuela Nicolosi of France and Michelle O'Neal from the Republic of Ireland serving as assistant referees.

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin said to Associated Press, “I have said on many occasions that the potential for women's football has no limits.”

“I am delighted that Stephanie Frappart has been appointed to officiate at this year’s UEFA Super Cup along with assistant referees Manuela Nicolosi and Michelle O’Neal,” said the president, UEFA.com reported.

Also read-Breaking barriers: From a teacher to Official Referee at FIFA, Rupa Devi

“As an organisation, we place the utmost importance on the development of women’s football in all areas. I hope the skill and devotion that Stephanie has shown throughout her career to reach this level will provide inspiration to millions of girls and women around Europe and show them there should be no barriers in order to reach one’s dream,” he added.

UEFA Chief Refereeing Officer Roberto Rosetti said Frappart “fully deserves” the opportunity to officiate the Super Cup

It is not the first time a woman has refereed a men's UEFA competition match. Switzerland's Nicole Petignat officiated three UEFA Cup matches between 2004 and 2009. Germany’s Bibiana Steinhaus became the first female referee in one of the top European leagues during a Bundesliga match between Hertha Berlin and Werder Bremen in September 2017.

Also read: Meet the women footballers who would give the men a run for their money

Frappart also became the first female referee to officiate a French league match in April. She has been promoted to the pool of French top-flight referees on a permanent basis for the upcoming season.

Ceferin adds, “I hope the skill and devotion that Stephanie has shown throughout her career to reach this level will provide inspiration to millions of girls and women around Europe and show them there should be no barriers in order to reach one's dream.”

We wish you good luck, Stephanie!

Feature image credit: UEFA

Read More Stories By Ria Das