Bibiana Steinhaus, a policewoman to become Europe’s first female referee [PHOTO]

Germany’s Bibiana Steinhaus, policewoman, is set to become the first female ref in Europe’s top leagues.
The 38-year-old is on the official list of Bundesliga referees for the 2017/18 season, which starts Friday.

She will become the first female ref in the top flight of Germany, England, Spain, France or Italy.
“I never planned, and still don’t today, to break new grounds of emancipation,” she said at a referee’s training camp recently.
“I am only doing what I love.”
Steinhaus, who works with a fitness coach, acknowledges that refereeing in the Bundesliga will challenge her both on and off the pitch.

“I like to say that the Bundesliga is another step up, I have worked intensively and the speed is different”.
“Certainly, as a female referee, I will be under special scrutiny from the start of the season, especially from the media.
“I don’t seek public attention and my colleagues know me well enough to know that.”