Stéphanie Frappard (born 14 December 1983) is a French football referee who has officiated at the highest levels of both men’s and women’s international and club competitions. She is recognized as one of the first female referees to lead matches in traditionally male‑dominated tournaments.
Early Life and Career
- Born in Héricourt, Haute‑Saône, France.
- Began refereeing in 2001 after completing the French Football Federation’s (FFF) referee training program.
- Advanced through the FFF’s regional and national leagues, officiating amateur and semi‑professional matches.
Domestic Appointments
- Appointed to the French Ligue 1 referee roster in 2014, becoming the first woman to regularly referee top‑flight men’s matches in France.
- Regularly officiates in the Coupe de France and Coupe de la Ligue.
- Has served as a fourth official and video assistant referee (VAR) in Ligue 1 fixtures.
International Recognition
- Became a FIFA‑listed referee in 2009, enabling her to officiate international fixtures.
- Selected to referee at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada, including a group‑stage match and the final between the United States and Japan.
- Officiated at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2017, handling several knockout‑stage games.
Pioneering Milestones
- 2019: First woman to referee a UEFA Champions League match (Paris Saint‑Germain vs. Olympiacos in the Round of 16).
- 2020: Served as the VAR for the UEFA Champions League final between Paris Saint‑Germain and Bayern Munich.
- 2021: First female referee to officiate a men’s UEFA Nations League match (France vs. Germany).
- 2022: Appointed to the officiating team for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, serving as the fourth official in the group stage match between the Netherlands and Ecuador.
- 2023: Refereed the UEFA Super Cup, becoming the first woman to do so in the competition’s history.
Style and Contributions
- Known for a calm demeanor, clear communication, and strict adherence to the Laws of the Game.
- Actively participates in referee development programs, mentoring upcoming female officials within the FFF and UEFA.
- Frequently speaks on gender equality in sport and the importance of diversity among officiating crews.
Awards and Honors
- Received the French Football Federation’s “Referee of the Year” award multiple times (specific years vary by source).
- Honored by UEFA and FIFA for contributions to the advancement of women in football officiating.
Personal Life
- Holds a degree in sports management.
- Balances refereeing duties with a professional role in sports administration.
Stéphanie Frappart’s career demonstrates the expanding role of women in football officiating and continues to influence the integration of female referees in elite men’s competitions worldwide.
