Women referees take over tonight's FIFA World Cup match

For the first time in history, three women are set to referee during the men's FIFA World Cup in Qatar tonight. This marks a bold step in the right direction when it comes to equality on the pitch. Stéphanie Frappart, Neuza Back and Karen Diaz will take control of the Group E match between Costa Rica and Germany. Frappart has already worked as the fourth official (assisting referee) in the Group C match between Mexico and Poland last week, but tonight she will make her real debut as the main referee.

The Frenchwoman is no stranger to refereeing, and is more than qualified for the job; having served as the head referee in the 2019 Women’s World Cup final for FIFA. She also made history as the first woman to referee a men’s World Cup qualifying match.