Female referee to take charge of a UEFA men’s game for the first time EVER in Chelsea vs Liverpool

UEFA have announced that Stephanie Frappart will become the first woman in history to referee a high-profile men’s game in one of its competitions.

In a ground-breaking move from UEFA, Frappart has been appointed to take of charge of Chelsea vs Liverpool in the European Super Cup final on August 14.

The Frenchwoman, who refereed the FIFA Women’s World Cup final between the United States and Holland last month, will lead a team of predominately female officials for the showpiece clash in Istanbul.

She will be accompanied by her compatriot Manuela Nicolosi and Michelle O’Neal from the Republic of Ireland who will be the assistant referees for the match while the fourth official will be Turkey’s Cuneyt Cakir.

Frappart officiated with both Nicolosi and O’Neal during the Women’s World Cup final in Lyon back in July.

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin said on Friday: ‘I have said on many occasions that the potential for women’s football has no limits and I am delighted that Stephanie Frappart has been appointed to officiate at this year’s UEFA Super Cup along with assistant referees Manuela Nicolosi and Michelle O’Neal.

‘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.’ 

Frappart, who has been refereeing since 2009, created history earlier this year when she became the first female to take charge of a Ligue 1 match.

She will referee further games in the French top-flight next season after being promoted to join the pool of Ligue 1 referees on a permanent basis back in June.

Frappart is however not the first female referee assigned to a men’s UEFA competition match. Nicole Petignat holds that honour after taking charge of three UEFA Cup qualifying round games between 2004 and 2009.