One thing is for sure that the FIFA World cup 2022 edition is one of the most unique editions ever. Not just in terms of the competition but also in terms of rules and regulations. As we previously discussed about the 5 new rules being introduced at FIFA World cup, one of them is set to be implemented during Friday’s Group E clash between Germany and Costa Rica.
The new change will appear in the form of french official Stephanie Frappart, who is all set to become the first ever Female to referee a FIFA World Cup game. It is a huge step taken by FIFA in order to maintain equality on all levels of football and it will surely be welcomed by the footballing fraternity around the world.
History will be written at the Al-Bayt Stadium on December 2 when Stephanie gets on the pitch to refer a nail biting contest between Germany and Costa Rica. The magnitude of this fixture is immense as there are still chances for every team in Group E to proceed to the Round of 16.
3 points for both Costa Rica and Germany will be enough and Stephanie Frappart will be hoping to be as attentive as she can be, in a match where the winner takes all.
Meanwhile, Stephanie Frappart is someone who comes with a lot of experience as she began referring since 13 and has been an active referee since 2011. The 38-year-old French is also the first female referee to officiate a UEFA Champions League game between Juventus and Dynamo Kyiv in December 2020.
Frappart is the first woman to refer a Ligue 2 game, Ligue 1 game between Ameins and Strasbourg, UEFA Super Cup between Liverpool and Chelsea, UEFA Women’s Champions league fixture between Atletico Madrid and Chelsea in 2021 and also became the first ever female referee in a FIFA World cup qualifying game between Netherlands and Latvia.
The 38-year-old is a FIFA listed official having won the IIFHS World’s Best Woman Referee in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Records have certainly chased the Frenchwoman and comes December 2nd, she will enter the history books.
The men’s World Cup is the most important sporting competition in the world. I was the first referee in France and in Europe, so I know how to deal with it. – Stephanie Frappart said to FIFA
Frappart will be joined by assistant referees Neuza Back from Brazil and Mexican Karen Diaz Medina for the high-voltage contest on Friday.
Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, Pierluigi Collina also spoke about this new change – “They were not selected because they are women but as FIFA referees. They could officiate any game.”
