History will be made at Wembley this Friday as French official Stephanie Frappart will referee for England's men's upcoming friendly clash against Australia.
This will mark the first time in history that a female referee will officiate a men's international match at Wembley Stadium.
Breaking: Stephanie Frappart will become the first female match official to take charge of a men's international match at Wembley.
England v Australia // Friendly
📍Wembley Stadium, London
🗓️ 13th October, 19:45 (UK time)
Ref: Stephanie Frappart 🇫🇷
AR1: Mikael Berchebru 🇫🇷
AR2:… pic.twitter.com/3npV8peZsr— Refsuite (@ref_suite) October 9, 2023
Frappart, aged 39, will lead a team of French referees for the upcoming fixture, with Mikael Berchebru and Aurélien Drouet as assistant referees. The role of the fourth official will be assumed by Hakim Ben El Hadj, while Mathieu Vernice and Nicolas Rainville will handle VAR responsibilities.
Stephanie Frappart's journey in football officiating has been a trailblazing one, earning her recognition as one of the top-performing female referees to embrace opportunities in the men's game.
She previously achieved distinction by becoming the first woman to officiate in men's Ligue 2 and Ligue 1 matches in her native France, subsequently making her mark in European competitions. Frappart's pivotal moment came when she presided over the UEFA Super Cup match between Chelsea and Liverpool in 2019, further solidifying her credentials.
Female referee Stephanie Frappart will become the first woman to officiate a men's international game at Wembley when England host Australia 🚨https://t.co/QKAJjPLXAY
— Mail Sport (@MailSport) October 9, 2023
In Qatar last year, Frappart made history when she became the first woman to officiate a men's FIFA World Cup match.
The decision to appoint Stephanie Frappart as the referee for England vs. Australia match was met with enthusiasm by the English Football Association. Peter Elsworth, head of the English FA's refereeing operations, said:"Stephanie is an outstanding referee and she has officiated on the highest stage within France, across Europe, and recently at the men's and women's FIFA World Cup."
"We're delighted she and her team will take charge of our upcoming fixture against Australia in front of a sold-out crowd at Wembley Stadium and we're looking forward to welcoming them to the home of English football."
