For the first time in men’s World Cup history, an all-women crew will referee Thursday’s match between Costa Rica and Germany.
Per ESPN, Stephanie Frappart was the first woman to officiate a World Cup match when she was given the assignment of refereeing the Mexico-Poland match on Nov. 22.
Neuza Back and Karen Diaz were named assistant referees prior to the 2022 World Cup.
Thursday, all three will be on the pitch together in a historic World Cup match.
Frappart talked about the landmark decision, noting its particular relevance due to the World Cup being in Qatar.
“It’s a strong sign from FIFA and the authorities to have women referees in that country,” she said, via the Washington Post.
The Qatar World Cup has its share of vocal critics due to various human and workers’ rights issues, including laws restricting women’s rights. Having three women officiate a men’s soccer match in Qatar is a remarkable gesture.
FIFA has a long way to go to earn its way back to being a respectable institution. In 2020, it was revealed that officials accepted bribes from Qatar before awarding them the World Cup, according to the New York Times.
The decision to give Frappart, Back and Diaz the nods to officiate a World Cup match together is a step in the right direction.
