Stéphanie Frappart, the French official who made history as the first woman to referee a men’s World Cup match, has now taken on a new role within European football’s governing body.
A new chapter at UEFA
Frappart will serve as a refereeing officer for UEFA, tasked with training and appointing match officials for the continent’s premier competitions. She succeeds Czech veteran Dagmar Damková, who held the position until recently.
Her appointment follows a series of groundbreaking assignments that have reshaped perceptions of women in the sport. In 2022, she officiated the Germany‑Costa Rica group‑stage encounter at the Qatar World Cup, and earlier she became the first female referee to take charge of a Ligue 1 fixture and a UEFA Champions League match.
Trailblazing milestones
Frappart’s résumé includes refereeing the finals of the 2019 Women’s World Cup and the upcoming 2025 European Women’s Championship. She also broke new ground by overseeing matches in both the men’s and women’s international calendars, earning respect for her consistency and tactical acumen.
The move also highlights the growing presence of American officials on the world stage. Tori Penso, another trailblazer, will referee her second men’s World Cup game, underscoring the expanding diversity among match officials.
UEFA’s decision to appoint Frappart reflects a broader strategy to integrate experienced women into the highest echelons of European football governance. By leveraging her on‑field expertise, the organization aims to promote merit‑based progression while continuing to champion gender equality across all levels of the sport.