Co-founder of the “Football can do more” initiative
The four-time world referee is one of the co-founders of the women’s initiative “Football can do more”, which calls for more say, equality and participation in German football. “We started a discussion about diversity in sport,” she says of what has been achieved. The women around Steinhaus-Webb, Katja Kraus and Almuth Schult generated a lot of attention. When it comes down to it, however, their demands met with little approval overall. In addition, a dispute between Steinhaus-Webb and the then interim president Rainer Koch culminated in proceedings before the association’s ethics committee, which probably made her farewell even easier.
“pioneer with great class”
In 2017, after a decade in the second division, Steinhaus-Webb was promoted to the elite of Bundesliga referees. Straightforward, determined, competent and communicative, the well-liked figure had secured her place among the best referees in the country. “A pioneer with great class,” judges Ittrich.
privileges? No thank you. “It depends on your own performance. The best belong on the pitch. Regardless of gender, skin color and religion,” says Steinhaus-Webb. She officiated the 2011 Women’s World Cup final, the 2012 Women’s Olympic final and the 2017 Champions League final, to name just a few highlights of her career. Ittrich: “It’s unbelievable what titles she has collected.”
“What I wish for our football: that our managers also reflect the diversity that we find in the stadiums and in the clubs.”
— Bibiana Steinhaus-Webb
She had to put up with a lot in the men’s world of football – but mostly stayed relaxed and confident, just smiled away at boldness. With the cheeky hug from coach Pep Guardiola, for example, and sayings like: “When men play, women have no place on the pitch.” Or childish things like Bayern professional Franck Ribéry, who once tied the laces of her shoes.
Striving for structural change in football
A tough school that has prepared you for striving for a structural change in German football towards more diversity, equality and a 30 percent share of women in the leadership of the DFB. “What I wish for our football: that our managers reflect the diversity that we find in the stadiums and in the clubs,” said Steinhaus-Webb.