Stephanie Frappart Becomes The First Female Referee To Officiate At Men’s World Cup

France's Stephanie Frappart made history as she became the first female referee to officiate at a men's World Cup.

Stephanie Frappart, from France, was one of three women to be included on the list of referees for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. During Mexico's Group C clash against Poland on Tuesday, Nov. 22, Frappart served as the fourth official, making history in the process and becoming the first female referee to officiate at a men's World Cup, ESPN reported.

Prior to this, Frappart had become the first woman to referee a men's Champions League game in 2020 when she took charge of Juventus' match against Dynamo Kyiv. In addition this these, she has also taken charge of games in Ligue 1, the Europa League, men's World Cup qualifying, and the UEFA Supercup final between Chelsea and Liverpool in 2019.

Frappart, Japan’s Yamashita Yoshimi, and Rwanda’s Salima Mukansanga were the first women selected as referees among the 36 total referees for the FIFA World Cup tournament in Qatar. Meanwhile, female referees such as Brazil’s Neuza Back, Mexico’s Karen Diaz Medina, and American Kathryn Nesbitt are among 69 assistant referees at the World Cup.

“I am really moved because I didn’t necessarily expect this. It doesn’t get bigger than the World Cup,” Frappart had said after she was appointed as a referee for Qatar World Cup.

In Tuesday's game between Mexico and Poland at Stadium 974, Mexico got the better of the start, with Ernesto Vega going closest with a header. However, a foul on Robert Lewandowski in the 54th minute was given by VAR. The penalty was sensationally saved by Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, Sky Sports reported.

Mexico had more possession and more shots and the conditions were set perfectly for Mexico to secure victory. However, it failed to materialize and the game ended goalless.

After Argentina's shocking 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia, there was an opportunity for Mexico and Poland to take control of the group. However, neither side was able to seize control of the group as the match ended goalless.

Mexico faces Argentina on Saturday, Nov. 26. This would be a perfect time for Mexico to find their shooting boots.

Saudi Arabia currently remains top of Group C after their shocking victory over Argentina. They have the opportunity to qualify for the last 16 if they beat Poland on Saturday.