Stéphanie Frappart, the French referee who made history as the first woman to oversee a men’s FIFA World Cup match, has now taken on a new role within European football’s governing body.
During the 2022 tournament in Qatar, Frappart broke a barrier by directing the Group F encounter between Germany and Costa Rica, a moment that underscored her growing influence on the global stage. Her appointment follows a series of firsts, including becoming the inaugural female official in France’s Ligue 1 and the first woman to referee in the UEFA men’s Champions League.
UEFA announced that she will serve as a full‑time refereeing officer, tasked with training and appointing match officials for its continental competitions. In this capacity she will help shape the development of officiating standards across the continent, ensuring that the next generation of referees meets the highest benchmarks.
She succeeds Czech veteran Dagmar Damková, who retires from the position after a distinguished career that also placed her among the pioneers of women’s refereeing. The transition reflects UEFA’s commitment to continuity and the advancement of gender diversity within its officiating ranks.
The move also brings American official Tori Penso into the spotlight, as she prepares for her second appearance as a referee at a men’s World Cup, highlighting the expanding pool of talent that UEFA is cultivating.
A milestone for women in officiating
Her appointment is being hailed as a watershed moment that could inspire future generations of female referees worldwide, reinforcing the notion that merit and expertise are increasingly recognized regardless of gender.