Image: Carl Recine
REUTERS
In Thursday’s group-stage match between Germany and Costa Rica, an all-female on-field refereeing team will oversee a men’s World Cup game for the first time.
The first female referee to officiate at a World Cup for men will be Stephanie Frappart.
When the Frenchwoman was appointed as the fourth official for Mexico and Poland’s game last Tuesday, she became the first female official at the competition.
“We know the pressure,” Frappart told before the tournament.
“But I think we will not change ourselves. Be calm, focused, concentrate, and don’t think too much about the media and everything, just be focused on the field.”
At Al Bayt Stadium on Thursday, Frappart will be assisted by Brazilian Neuza Back and Mexican Karen Diaz Medina.
Asked if she ever has comments from players, managers or fans due to being a woman, Frappart said: “Since I started I was always supported by teams, clubs and players. I was always welcome in the stadium so I feel like another referee inside the pitch. I was always welcome, so I think I will be welcome as before.”