Sports

Bibiana Steinhaus to become first woman to referee in Bundesliga

Published

7 years ago

September 8, 2017

A woman will referee a Bundesliga game for the first time on Sunday when Bibiana Steinhaus takes charge of Hertha Berlin against Werder Bremen.

A former police officer, Steinhaus has overseen matches in Germany’s second tier since the 2007-08 season, but will now be given the opportunity to officiate at the top level at the Olympiastadion.

Steinhaus, 38, was in charge of Bayern Munich’s German Cup win over Chemnitz earlier this season, and Hertha coach Pal Dardai has welcomed the decision.

“I wish her a good match,” Hertha coach Pal Dardai was quoted as saying by German sports daily Bild on hearing the news. “She does a really good job.”

Steinhaus refereed the 2011 women’s World Cup final, and was one of four new officials added to the Bundesliga list at the end of last season.

“It has always been my dream to be a Bundesliga referee,” Steinhaus told the German Football Federation’s official website in May.

“That this dream will come true naturally fills me with joy.

“Of course, I’m aware that I will be the first (female referee) in the Bundesliga and, especially at the beginning of the new season, will face particular attention from the public and the media.”