France’s Stephanie Frappart will become the first woman to referee a match at the men’s World Cup after being selected to take charge of Thursday’s clash between Germany and Costa Rica.
During the Group E match at Al Bayt Stadium, the 38-year-old will be assisted on the field by Brazilian Neuza Back and Mexican Karen Diaz Medina.
When Frappart served as the fourth official for Mexico vs. Poland’s goalless draw on Tuesday, she made history by being the first female official for a men’s World Cup game.
FIFA named three female referees on its list of 36 for the competition, with Rwanda’s Salima Mukansanga and Yoshimi Yamashita of Japan also in Qatar.
The 38-year-old will mark another milestone in her career at the Al Bayt Stadium, having refereed a men’s World Cup qualifier in March, a men’s Champions League game in 2020, the 2019 Uefa Super Cup final and matches in Ligue 1.
Before the tournament began, Frappart said she hoped the inclusion of female referees in Qatar would “make things happen” on a broader level. “It’s a strong sign from Fifa and the authorities to have women referees in that country,” she said.
