Stéphanie Frappart, the French referee who made history by becoming the first woman to oversee a men’s World Cup game, has taken on a new role within UEFA. The 42‑year‑old will serve as a refereeing officer, a position that involves training match officials and appointing them to European competitions.
Her appointment follows the departure of Czech veteran Dagmar Damková, who previously held the role. Frappart’s extensive experience includes officiating at the 2022 World Cup, where she managed Germany’s 4‑2 victory over Costa Rica, and her groundbreaking stint as the first female referee in France’s Ligue 1.
A New Era for European Refereeing
In her new capacity, Frappart will help steer the development of officiating standards across UEFA’s flagship tournaments. She will work closely with a team that includes American referee Tori Penso, who is set to referee her second men’s World Cup match, highlighting the growing presence of women in the sport’s highest echelons.
Beyond the technical aspects of her job, Frappart’s move signals a broader shift toward gender diversity in football governance. Her trailblazing career — spanning the 2019 Women’s World Cup final, the 2025 Women’s European Championship, and numerous high‑profile men’s fixtures — has paved the way for a new generation of female officials eager to break similar barriers.