A German policewoman, Bibiana Steinhaus, will become the first female to referee in Europe's top leagues. Germany's Bundesliga promoted Ms Steinhaus on Friday. She was a referee in the lower divisions of German football. She is very happy to be Germany's first top-flight female referee. She said: "For us all, it's a dream come true. I'm very much looking forward to the task that awaits me." She also knew that people would be watching her to see how she manages in top-level men's matches. She said: "I am aware that I will be the first female referee in the Bundesliga and will be closely watched by the media". She added: "I'm used to pressure and am convinced I will find my feet quickly in the Bundesliga."
Steinhaus, 38, has a lot of experience as a referee, both in Germany and at international level. She has been refereeing Bundesliga 2 matches since 2011. She also refereed the 2011 women’s World Cup final and the women's gold medal match between Japan and the United States at the London Olympic games in 2012. After she was told about her promotion, she said: "I was quite speechless. I feel disbelief, joy, happiness, relief and curiosity. It was simply a roller-coaster ride of emotions." She added: "It has always been my dream to be a Bundesliga referee. That this dream will come true naturally fills me with joy." Steinhaus will next referee the Women’s Champions League final on June 1st.
