Bibiana Steinhaus-Webb, a former German referee, is now the head of the women’s department of the FIFA Referee Subdivision. She is currently at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic, her first official tournament in her new role. Steinhaus-Webb expressed her excitement about being part of FIFA and witnessing the significant development of women’s football.
She highlighted the increasing expectations on officials in every tournament and game, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement. Steinhaus-Webb, who was appointed on October 7, 2024, commended the talented officials at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic, crediting her predecessors for laying a strong foundation.
With a distinguished 26-year career as an international referee, including officiating in FIFA Women’s World Cup and Olympic Games finals, Steinhaus-Webb brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She aims to build a support team to assist officials in maximizing their potential, focusing on areas such as technical skills, physical fitness, mental well-being, and medical support.
Steinhaus-Webb stressed the holistic approach to preparing referees, acknowledging the transformative journey that being a referee entails. She values the personal growth and development that comes with the role, not just in officiating matches but also in life. Her commitment to nurturing young referees is evident in her support for youth tournaments and the advancement of women in refereeing roles.
At the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic, 38 officials, including referees, assistant referees, and reserve referees, have been selected for the tournament. Steinhaus-Webb closely observes their training and development throughout the competition, guiding them through the challenges and emotions that come with being a referee.
Looking ahead, Steinhaus-Webb envisions a future where more girls and women are part of the referee family. She believes that officiating is a rewarding experience that not only enhances one’s skills on the field but also shapes them as individuals. By encouraging more female participation in refereeing, she aims to create a more inclusive and diverse environment in football.
Steinhaus-Webb’s dedication to empowering female referees and supporting their growth reflects her passion for the sport and her commitment to advancing women’s football globally. As she continues to lead the women’s department of the FIFA Referee Subdivision, her impact on the next generation of referees is sure to be profound and lasting.