Bundesliga names Bibiana Steinhaus as first female referee

Bibiana Steinhaus has been named as one of four new referees in Germany’s top flight for next season, according to the announcement made by the German FA on Friday.

The 38-year-old police officer, who has officiated in Germany’s second tier games for six years, will become the first female to referee in the Bundesliga.

Having officiated 80 matches in the second tier, Steinhaus, who will referee the Women’s Champions League final between Lyon and Paris St-Germain in Cardiff on June 1st, told the FA website:

“It’s the big goal for everyone, no matter whether man or woman, to officiate in the Bundesliga.

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“I’ve worked incredibly hard for it over the past few years, and also had a few setbacks.”

Steinhaus said she was aware she would be in the spotlight but added: “I am accustomed to that pressure, and I am convinced that I will gain a foothold in the Bundesliga soon.”

The German Football Association (DFB) hopes the announcement will encourage more females to become referees.

DFB president Reinhard Grindel said: “Hopefully the first female referee in the Bundesliga is an incentive for many young girls in this country to try to emulate her.”

 

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