World Cup 2022: Germany v. Costa Rica match to have all-female referees in FIFA first
Jenny Goldsberry
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An all-female staff of referees will be the first in FIFA’s history to referee a World Cup match.
Stephanie Frappart of France will be the head referee during Thursday’s match between Germany and Costa Rica, per a Tuesday announcement from the soccer organization. Joining her will be Neuza Back of Brazil, and Karen Diaz Medina of Mexico, with Kathryn Nesbitt of the U.S. as assistant.
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Frappart was previously a referee in the World Cup match between Mexico and Poland, which resulted in a draw, and for a qualifier match for the tournament in March.
“It’s a strong sign from Fifa and the authorities to have women referees in that country,” Frappart said at the start of the World Cup, in reference to its host nation, Qatar.
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Qatar is ranked 137th on the 2022 Global Gender Gap Report, which is slightly lower than last year.
Germany’s men’s team is ranked 11th, while Costa Rica is ranked 31st by FIFA ahead of the match.