Bibiana Steinhaus-Webb becomes director of referees in the English women’s league. There was no place for them at the DFB. As a farewell, she found clear words about the men’s squad at the German association.
Bibiana Steinhaus-Webb, who is moving to England for a new job, once again criticized the German Football Association (DFB) clearly: “Football can do so much more. Above all, it does not make sufficient use of its social role because he no longer depicts society, “said the 42-year-old in the direction of the DFB. She also pointed out the difficulties she had with the bandage. “But of course there were a few hurdles in all that time that wouldn’t have been necessary, and I lacked a vision of what we would strive for together in the future.”
Steinhaus-Webb takes over the leadership of the referees for the first two leagues in England (“Women’s Select Group Director”). The English association is pursuing “a very specific idea”. At the DFB, however, she feels “in some areas” resistance. “But fear of change seldom results in anything good,” said Steinhaus-Webb, who is married to former English world-class referee Howard Webb.
Interim President Rainer Koch is particularly critical
The top goes especially to interim president Rainer Koch, with whom Steinhaus got into a violent conflict because of her support for the women’s initiative. The initiative, which includes national goalkeeper Almuth Schult and sports manager Katja Kraus, calls for more women in management positions at the DFB and a new management culture. That is why there were “interventions”, says Steinhaus-Webb. “I found that unacceptable.” What is meant is massive pressure from the association and interim president Koch.
In 2017, Steinhaus-Webb was the first woman to lead a game in the men’s Bundesliga and later on men’s games on the international stage. It was used at World Cup and European Championship tournaments for women and whistled the 2012 Olympic final for women in London.
Sources:
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
