German football now has the first female referee in Europe's top leagues. Germany's Bundesliga promoted Bibiana Steinhaus from the lower divisions of German football. She is very happy to be the first top-flight female referee. She said: "It's a dream come true. I'm very much looking forward to the task." She knows that people will be watching her to see how she does in top-level men's matches. She said: "I am aware that I…will be closely watched by the media". She added: "I'm used to pressure and am convinced I will find my feet quickly."
Steinhaus has a lot of experience as a referee. She has refereed Bundesliga 2 matches since 2011. She also refereed a women’s World Cup final and the women's gold medal match at the London Olympic games in 2012. After she heard about her promotion, she said: "I was quite speechless. I feel disbelief, joy, happiness, relief and curiosity. It was simply a roller-coaster ride of emotions." She added: "It has always been my dream to be a Bundesliga referee. That this dream will come true naturally fills me with joy." Steinhaus will next referee the Women’s Champions League final.