Bibiana Steinhaus will become the first female referee in Bundesliga history

Beginning with the 2017-18 season, Bibiana Steinhaus will become the first woman to referee matches in the top flight of German soccer. The 38 year old police officer was on the shortlist last season, and the retirement of three referees opened the door for the upcoming season.

“It has always been my dream to be a Bundesliga referee. That this dream will come true naturally fills me with joy,” Steinhaus said. “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 has refereed 80 matches in the 2.Bundesliga since 2011 and has been an assistant referee in the Bundesliga on multiple occasions. You’ll remember the incident from a few seasons ago when Pep Guardiola got in trouble for some inappropriate behavior on the sideline during a Bundesliga match.

However, before she starts in the Bundesliga next season; however, she has some big matches ahead of her. Steinhaus will referee the UEFA Women’s Champions League between Lyon and Paris-Saint Germain on June 1. She will also certainly be involved in the UEFA Women’s European Championship this summer.