LONDON: Bibiana Steinhaus-Webb, the first woman to referee in the German Bundesliga, will oversee referees in the Women’s Super League and Championship from this season.

Steinhaus has been appointed as the first women’s select group director of Professional Game Match Officials Limited.

The wife of former top English men’s referee Howard Webb will begin work with the leagues this month and take up the position fully in the autumn. Steinhaus has been named women’s referee of the year on seven occasions and officiated at three Women’s World Cups and three Women’s Euros.

In total, she refereed 23 men’s Bundesliga matches.

Kelly Simmons, the director of the women’s professional game at the Football Association, said, “Bibiana’s appointment marks an important milestone in women’s football.

“She has been a trailblazer throughout her career and is renowned for her professionalism and expertise which will no doubt benefit our match officials. This is a key appointment in our ambition to develop the best women’s leagues in the world.”

########