Related article

Zoom Night with Dr Tom Webb

Stephanie Frappart became the first woman to referee a men's Champions League game on 2 December
At the beginning of December, Stephanie Frappart made football history as she stepped out to take charge of Juventus' match against Dynamo Kyiv, she became the first woman to referee a men's Champions League game. The Frenchwoman's name was all over the world's media, inspiring young girls everywhere, but Frappart was oblivious. In her own words, she lives in a bubble. "I have no social media," Frappart told BBC Sport. "I never read newspapers about me. I make my bubble. I know that in football everybody speaks about referees and performance. "I still ignore everything. I prefer it like this. "It is not the first time Frappart has etched her name in football's history books. She was the first woman to take charge of a men's match in a major Uefa competition when Liverpool and Chelsea met in the 2019 Super Cup. That year, the 37-year-old also refereed the Women's World Cup final between the United States and the Netherlands, and has refereed French Ligue 1 games since 2019.

The 2019 Women's World Cup final was won by the United States
Frappart, who started playing football aged 10, oversaw her first Europa League game in October when Leicester City hosted Zorya Luhansk and says refereeing at the men's World Cup in 2022 would be a "bonus". Her presence in such high-profile games is bound to inspire young girls watching to follow in her footsteps and Frappart says this would be "a great pleasure". "I know that I am a role model," Frappart added." Young women are watching TV, so I know that if I am here on the field they can see that it's possible. This is the first thing that will help some young girls to start refereeing. "I know that I have a role in that, but I am not pushing women too much because they will continue by themselves and they will decide if they want to be a referee or not."

'VAR is good for football'

Like all officials, Frappart has had to adapt to the arrival of the video assistant referee (VAR).
The technology has been a source of much debate since its introduction, with fans and players alike complaining about controversial decisions made after a VAR intervention.
But Frappart describes it as "a very good help", adding: "We continue to referee as before. We make the decision on the field of play and after that it is good to have help in case we make big mistakes.
"I think it's good for football."

Our Partnerships

Partnerships are often formed between individuals, agencies or organisations with a shared interest to address specific issues. Our evidence reveals that our members young and old often require mental, emotional, financial, medical help, support and guidance. The Referees’ Association champion the work of those agencies that provide this support in times of need. Should you require support please contact the relevant agency below or the RA Head Office.
Learn more

Join the Referees Association

The National RA recommends that prospective members should join through their local LRA, the easiest way being to attend one of the many local association meetings that take place across the country on a regular (usually monthly) basis. Find your nearest branch now.

Alternatively, online membership is now available for any referee who wishes to take up central membership. The National RA will then allocate you a local branch. Join now.