The historic match when whistles will be played by female referees

The historic match when whistles will be played by female referees

Today, when the match between Costa Rica and Germany takes place in Qatar, it will be the first time in the history of football that the whistles of the referee will be held by women.

Among these history-making women referees are France's Stéphanie Freipart, Brazil's Novaza Beck and Mexico's Karen Diaz Medina. Freipartt accomplished this feat just a few days ago when he was appointed as the fourth referee for Tuesday's match between Mexico and Poland. Freipart said: "We know how much pressure we have, but we have to be very patient and focus on the game and not think about what the media is saying. We just have to keep an eye on what is happening on the field of play.

First in everything

The 38-year-old French referee has already made history in European football competitions before the World Cup.

She had the honor of becoming the first female referee when she officiated in a European Super Cup match in 2019. And then in the year 2020, she was also a referee in the Champions League matches.

How was the experience of the female referee?

Asked by sportsplusfive if she had ever faced criticism from players, managers or fans, Freipart said: "Since I started I've always been criticized by football teams, clubs and the players themselves. Support and encouragement received. That's why I consider myself a normal referee. I have always been welcomed and I think I will be welcomed today as before.' On the other hand, Novyza Bek admits that the journey was not easy for her and she faced bitter moments. But she says she has now learned how to deal with critics.

In a recent interview, he said, 'When I come across a situation where people are showing covert prejudice, making mean jokes or just looking at me like that, I find myself This is what people think or say about me, I know that I am not that.' Novyzabek, 38, said she believes bias against women is steadily decreasing at the professional football level, but there is still a long way to go at grassroots levels.

Bias is more at amateur or (low level). We (women referees) should do our job very well, make good decisions on the field, then everything will be fine. Diaz Medina, the third female referee in today's match, says she wants to be a role model for other girls 'and show them that if you work hard and love what you do, your dreams can come true. are.' It should be remembered that FIFA has selected a total of 36 referees for this World Cup, of which six are women.