Matches will be officiated by female referees at the World Cup for the first time this winter.
In football’s flagship tournament, officials will have the chance to make history on the biggest stage in the world.
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This World Cup will have women referees for the first time
Stéphanie Frappart will become the first woman to referee a match in the men’s World Cup in what is the last precursor moment of her brilliant career.
The Frenchwoman has already made Qatar tournament history after being the fourth official in Mexico’s 0-0 draw with Poland last week.
Frappart will lead an all-female team on the pitch with Brazil’s Neuza Back and Mexico’s Karen Diaz Medina for the Group E clash between Germany and Costa Rica.
Who is Stephanie Frappart?
Frappart is a 38-year-old referee whose career so far has had a huge impact on female referees around the world.
She has her name written all over the record books, along with her accomplishments, including a variety of impressive firsts.
In 2011, Frappart played in the French third division before moving to Ligue 2 three years later, becoming the first woman to do so.
The Frenchwoman was then called upon to referee alongside a full selection of female officials at the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada.
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Frappart has refereed two Women’s World Cups
In 2019, Frappart then became the first woman to referee in Ligue 1 before being called up again for the Women’s World Cup.
She would be assigned as the referee for the tournament final.
It would lead to even greater achievements later that year after the French official was nominated for the UEFA Men’s Super Cup.
Frappart became the first-ever female referee to take charge of a men’s European game by doing so before also becoming the first female official of a men’s Champions League game.
She was then appointed referee for the 2022 Coupe de France final in May and she took charge of Nantes’ 1-0 victory over Nice at the Stade de France.
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Frappart took charge of Liverpool vs Chelsea in 2019
Finally, earlier this year, she was named among the referees who would travel to Qatar alongside other female officials.
“The Men’s World Cup is the most important competition in the world, not just football,” she told Athletic.
“But I was the first female referee in France, the first in Europe, each time the first. I know how to handle this. »
How many female referees are there at the World Cup?
There are three female referees involved in the 36 who have been selected for the 2022 World Cup.
Frappart will be joined in Qatar by Japanese and Rwandan officials Yoshimi Yamashita and Salima Mukasanga.
Watch the World Cup with talkSPORT
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There will be Q&A with talkSPORT talent, you’ll be part of our live shows and plenty of food and drink will be on offer too.
Come and have the best World Cup fan experience in London – and enjoy a complimentary pint – with tickets for all remaining matches on sale HERE!
