"I'm in the Bundesliga because my performances have been good."

Ahead of her Bundesliga debut, referee Bibiana Steinhaus tells of her excitement and discussions about her gender in an exclusive interview with herthabsc.de.

The day before the final day of the 2016/17 season, the DFB made the announcement that Bibiana Steinhaus would be officiating in the Bundesliga from 2017/18 onwards – ten years after making her debut in the 2. Bundesliga. A decision long overdue for many, and few will argue that the appointment is undeserved. On Sunday (10.09.2018), she will fulfill her dream of refereeing in the Bundesliga, when Hertha host Werder Bremen at 15:30 CEST at the Olympiastadion.

herthabsc.de: Ms Steinhaus, how excited are you about your Bundesliga debut during the game between Hertha BSC and Werder Bremen?

Steinhaus: Very excited, of course. I’m delighted that this huge challenge in the Bundesliga has finally arrived for me and my team. We are definitely very well prepared. As referees, we always prepare very intensively with our team before each upcoming game. The main focus points are about understanding the technical and tactical orientation of the teams and players. The more information we have, the better we can prepare ourselves for a match.

herthabsc.de: The Olympiastadion is one of the most beautiful and historically-important stadia in Germany. How special is it for you to be overseeing your first match in the Bundesliga there?

Steinhaus: In general, I have very good memories of the Olympiastadion, as I have already officiated a few games here in the past. In particular, the women’s DFB-Pokal final between Frankfurt and Duisburg in 2003. I’m looking forward to returning to the Olympiastadion in the Bundesliga.

herthabsc.de: Football is a sport that unites us all and fills us with passion. How do you respond when FIFA calls you “an inspiration” and society heralds you as a pioneer of equality?

Steinhaus: Firstly, I’m a Bundesliga referee because my performances have been good enough, not because I’m a woman. That’s a big difference. If, because of that, I am considered a role model for young girls or a pioneer for equality, then that makes me even happier. 

herthabsc.de: You made your 2. Bundesliga debut in 2007 and have officiated almost 250 games since. How have you changed as a referee during that time?

Steinhaus: First of all, I have a lot of experience now, which is an advantage in many situations. I have different ways of dealing with and reacting to certain situations in the game now. On top of that, I have also overseen many games as a fourth official, in order to take in the pace of the Bundesliga.

herthabsc.de: How much does it bother you that the football world continues to talk about moments like the Pep Guardiola hug, or the shoelaces incident with Franck Ribéry, instead of the sporting aspects?

Steinhaus: For me and my referee colleagues, the fact that I am a woman hasn’t been an issue for a long time. But we probably all need to accept and deal with the face that it will continue to be considered a big deal in the media for now.