Women make history at the 2022 Qatar World Cup!

Qatar World Cup 2022: first ever all-female referee team

On December 1^st, history was made as the first ever all-female referee team officiated a men’s football game on the Qatar World Cup stage.

This comes as more female officials have been seeing opportunities in the men’s game at lower competition levels.

Thursday night saw Frenchmen Stéphanie Frappart oversee Group E’s clash between Germany and Costa Rica. She was assisted by Brazilian referee Neuza Back and Mexico’s Karen Díaz Medina.

Frappart is an experienced referee with an extensive CV. Some of her games as referee include the Women’s World Cup but also Ligue 1, Super Cup and Champions League matches. Even though she understands that she will not simply be refereeing a game but paving the way for other Women, she is up for the task.

“It’s a strong sign from FIFA and the authorities to have women referees in that country”

Costa Rica v Germany: Group E - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 AL KHOR, QATAR - DECEMBER 01: Referee Stephanie Frappart reacts during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group E match between Costa Rica and Germany at Al Bayt Stadium on December 01, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar.

How did the football world react?

Fans and professionals were alike impressed. They praised Frappart’s composure, decisions, and overall performance. Costa Rica’s manager, Luis Fernando Suarez, even went on to state that it could change the “very sexist” sport that is Football.

Women in football look good. FIFA looks good. Everyone wins and progress is made in equal gender opportunities in the football world. Stéphanie Frappart has impressed everyone. And hopefully soon it will not be a surprise to see a female officiate in men’s high level tournaments.