German woman becomes first female referee in Bundesliga

A German woman made history on Sunday as she became the first female official to referee a Bundesliga match.

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – A German woman made history on Sunday as she became the first female official to referee a Bundesliga match, taking charge of a 1-1 draw between Werder Bremen and Hertha Berlin at the Olympic Stadium.

Bibiana Steinhaus, who is a former police officer, controlled the game well, according to the German Football Association (DFB).

Matthew Leckie scored to give Hertha Berlin a first half lead before Thomas Delaney equalized for Werder Bremen in the second half.

Steinhaus awarded 21 fouls during the game, only issuing one yellow card.

Last week, the DFB announced the 38-year-old would officiate the match. She was also 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 DFB website in May. “That this dream will come true naturally fills me with joy.”

The 38-year-old has taken charge of men’s matches in the past, refereeing Bayern Munich’s 5-0 win over Chemnitzer in the German Cup in August.

She was also the referee for the 2011 Women’s World Cup Final between Japan and the United States.

Before the Bundesliga match on Sunday, Werder Bremen head coach Alexander Nouri applauded Steinhaus’ previous performances.

“I have great respect for what she has done, and it is great that she referees on Sunday,” he explained, adding she “deserves it.”.

Hertha Berlin coach Pal Dardai also wished her “a good match” before the game on Sunday, and said she has done “a really good job.”

Steinhaus is expected to be given further opportunities as the German Bundesliga season has just begun.