Our International 20×20 Sportswoman of the Week goes to Stephanie Frappart, who on 14th August 2019 will become the first woman to referee a major European men’s soccer game when she takes charge of the UEFA Super Cup game between Liverpool and Chelsea in Istanbul.
Last month Stephanie refereed the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup when USA won the title with victory over Netherlands. On that occasion her assistant referees were her compatriot Manuela Nicolosi and our own Michele O’Neill. Manuela and Michelle will again be her assistant referees for the Liverpool Chelsea game. In April of this year Stephanie became the first woman to referee a League one game in France. She has subsequently been promoted to the elite pool of referees in France.
Speaking of her appointment, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said: “As an organisation, we place the utmost importance on the development of women’s football in all areas. I hope the skill and devotion that Stephanie has shown throughout her career to reach this level will provide inspiration to millions of girls and women around Europe and show them there should be no barriers in order to reach one’s dream.”