A Milestone in Officiating
Stéphanie Frappart made history in 2022 when she became the first woman to referee a match at the men’s FIFA World Cup, overseeing Germany’s 4‑2 victory over Costa Rica. Her appointment was not only a personal triumph but also a watershed moment for gender representation in the sport’s highest echelons.
Building on that breakthrough, Frappart has now been recruited by UEFA to serve as a refereeing officer, a position that will see her train and appoint match officials for the organization’s flagship European competitions. She will succeed Czech veteran Dagmar Damková, who has held the role for several years.
The move comes as another milestone approaches: American referee Tori Penso is set to become the second woman to officiate a men’s World Cup game, highlighting a growing acceptance of female officials on the global stage.
Frappart’s credentials extend beyond the World Cup. She was the inaugural female referee to take charge of a Ligue 1 fixture and to preside over a UEFA Champions League match. Her experience also includes leading the finals of the 2019 Women’s World Cup and preparing for the upcoming 2025 European Women’s Championship.
Her ascent reflects a broader shift toward inclusivity in football governance. By placing a trailblazer at the heart of its refereeing structure, UEFA signals a commitment to diversifying the pool of talent that governs the sport’s most prestigious tournaments.