Stephanie Frappart has declared she and her refereeing team are “not afraid” as they prepare to create history in Liverpool's UEFA Super Cup final against Chelsea.
Frappart will become the first female to take charge of a major UEFA men's match in Wednesday's clash here in Istanbul.
The Frenchwoman will be joined by female assistants Manuela Nicolosi from Italy and Michelle O'Neill of Ireland, the trio which officiated the FIFA Women's World Cup final between the USA and Holland this summer.
And Frappart, who was also referee for two Ligue 1 games last season, is unfazed by the prospect of breaking new ground at Vodafone Park, home of Besiktas.
“I think there is not a lot of difference (between men's and women's football) because football is the same,” she said. “It’s the same rules so I will do the same as the women’s game.
“We have proved ourselves technically and physically that we are the same as the men. We are not afraid about (wrong decisions). We are ready.”
Asked how their personal lives have changed since the appointment was made, Frappart said: “Of course, my life has changed as I'm more popular around the world.
“I've been appointed in Ligue 1 before so I know my emotions and how to keep them. It's not the first appointment for me, so I know the meaning of this.”
O'Neill said: “It's not our first time on the big stage – we had the Women's World Cup. I was one of the first Irish people to officiate in a World Cup final.
“It's pretty nice to have young girls and kids to be inspired and we're leading the way for them – that's pretty special.”
Roberto Rossetti, chairman of the UEFA Referees Committee, is in no doubt about the appointment of Frappart.
“She is good,” he said. “She is really good. She had a great season last season. She had a great World Cup. She was the referee for the final.
“Technically she is good, she understands football. In terms of refereeing, she knows everything.
“Stephanie passed the men's physical test the other day and mentally she is strong. I hope she will inspire thousands of female referees around the world.
“It's not a matter of gender. Everybody can make mistakes. I'm confident she will do well.”
The female trio will be joined by fourth official Cuneyt Cakir, the Turkish referee who took charge of Liverpool's 4-0 Champions League semi-final second leg win over Barcelona in May.
“They are really brave,” said Cakir. “They have courage. They don't hesitate to give unpopular decisions... you'll see that tomorrow, believe me!
“For us there are no difference between men and women referees. When we go on the pitch, we are referees.
“We do the same preparation and laws of the game test and fitness test and training sessions. There's no difference. No gender on the pitch.”
