35 year old Stéphanie Frappart became the first woman to referee a major European men’s game – UEFA Super Cup between Liverpool and Chelsea in Istanbul on 14 August. She previously officiated at the Women’s World Cup final, refereed a Ligue 1 match in April between Amiens and Strasbourg and had been promoted to an elite pool of referees for French top-flight games for the new season.
And Ireland were involved in this momentous occasion for women in sport- the French official was joined by the two female assistant referees who worked with her in Women’s World Cup final: compatriot Manuela Nicolosi and Ireland’s Michelle O’Neill.
In a statement, 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.”
