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GERMANY

Bibiana Steinhaus becomes the Bundesliga's first female referee

Policewomen and Howard Webb's partner, the 38-year-old's dream is finally set to come true. Until now, she had been refereeing in the German second division.
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Bibiana Steinhaus becomes the Bundesliga's first female referee
Matthias SchraderAP

The German Football Federation (DFB) announced on Friday that Bibiana Steinhaus is set to move up to the top division next season, when she will become the first female match official to oversee a Bundesliga match.

Bibiana Steinhaus pictured during the 2011 Women's World Cup finals in Germany.
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Bibiana Steinhaus pictured during the 2011 Women's World Cup finals in Germany.Wolfgang RattayREUTERS

Steinhaus, an experienced ref at international level

Until now, Steinhaus has been refereeing in Germany's second division - the 2. Bundesliga and has acted as the fouth official in a number of top flight games. Steinhaus was designated as one of the refs at the Women's World Cup finals in 2011 and 2015 as well as the 2012 London Olympics. She will be in charge of overseeing this year's Women's Champions League final between Vero Boquete's PSG and Irene Paredes' Olympique Lyon in Cardiff on 1 June.

Bibiana Steinhaus (right) at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
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Bibiana Steinhaus (right) at the London 2012 Olympic Games.Francois LenoirREUTERS

It's a dream finally come true, says Steinhaus

"My dream has always been to referee professional football matches. And naturally, I am filled with happiness that this dream will at last become a reality", Steinhaus told the DFB web site. Steinhaus was born in Hannover, is 38 years of age and combines her refereeing with her job as a policewoman.