To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Introducing Bibiana Steinhaus - Bundesliga's First Ever Female Referee

Introducing Bibiana Steinhaus - Bundesliga's First Ever Female Referee

She's been named on the official list of match officials for next season.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

Huge news emanated from Germany's Bundesliga yesterday as they named their first ever female referee in Bibiana Steinhaus.

The 38-year-old was confirmed as one of the officials for next season who becomes the first women to referee a German top flight match.

Not to mention being the first female ref across Europe's five major leagues.

Following her officiating in the Bundesliga 2 for more than six years, Steinhaus has been duly rewarded by receiving a promotion to the Bundesliga ahead of the 2017/18 campaign.

As well as domestic football, she's also racked up experience on the international stage by refereeing the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup as well as the women's gold-medal match at the London 2012 Olympics.

Steinhaus in action during the FIFA World Cup. Image: PA

What's more, she's not only just a referee but also a policewoman.

Needless to say, when Steinhaus was notified of the call-up, she was 'speechless.'

"When Lutz Michael Frohlich [the head of German referees] informed me, I was quite speechless," she told DFB website.

While being overjoyed to be bestowed with this great honour, "I feel disbelief, joy, happiness, relief, curiosity-it was simply a roller-coaster ride of emotions."

Steinhaus in charge of a German league match. Image: PA

"It has always been my dream to be a Bundesliga referee. That this dream will come true naturally fills me with joy. On one hand it is confirmation of my hard work, and on the other hand it is a great incentive to continue to work hard."

Steinhaus is reportedly dating former referee Howard Webb. Just like her, Webb memorably refereed the controversial 2010 World Cup between Spain and the Netherlands, becoming the first Englishman since Jack Taylor, in 1974, to officiate a World Cup final.

Which preceded taking charge of the Champions League final between Inter Milan Bayern Munich.

Webb reacted to the assignment by being "absolutely thrilled to bits" via BBC.

A dream come true. Congratulations to Bibiana - what an incredible achievement.

Meanwhile, the 2017/18 Bundesliga season will commence on August 18th.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Bundesliga

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado, and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Darren Till, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

X

@https://twitter.com/NasJabbar