Former Top Referee Björn Kuipers Speaks Out on First Female Referee for Dutch National Team

Kuipers sees no reason why women shouldn't officiate at the highest level. "As long as these women are fit and officiate correctly, it's perfectly fine for a woman to be the referee," the former top official stated in an interview with Sportnieuws.nl. "And if you're allowed to officiate at this level as a woman, then you're fit and you've performed well in your own country. So, I say: why not?"

According to the former international top referee, the rigorous physical demands play a significant role in reaching the elite level. "Female officials must pass all the same male fitness tests. Otherwise, you won't get a chance in the Eredivisie, LaLiga, or the Mexican top league. For many women, it proves to be a tough test, but Garcia has successfully passed it, which is a truly impressive achievement."

Kuipers doesn't expect Garcia to officiate much differently than her male counterparts. "Every referee, of course, has their own officiating style. A South American officiates differently than a European," Kuipers cited as an example. "At a World Cup, they do need to strive for uniformity, so the officiating is as consistent as possible. The most important thing is that they make the right calls at the right time."

While Garcia's appointment for the Dutch national team is a first, Kuipers emphasizes that female referees have been active at the highest level for a while. "In Europe, we've had Stéphanie Frappart for quite some time, who already has World Cup and Champions League experience," the former Twente-based official continued.

According to Kuipers, the acceptance of female referees has now become a given. He believes the growth of women's football has significantly contributed to this. "You see the whole world changing, and I think that's excellent. Women's football has already taken off tremendously, but the same is now happening with referees. I wholeheartedly applaud it."

However, Kuipers sees the most profound meaning of this development in the new generation. He hopes that young girls will be inspired by women active at the highest level. "Young girls need to realize that they can achieve a great deal if they are mentally and physically fit. Then they can truly officiate exciting matches, both domestically and internationally."

Kuipers also has a clear message for football associations looking to attract more women to refereeing. "The associations, along with top footballers in their own country, should launch a campaign: Be a referee. That's the campaign that should be started worldwide, because without a referee, there simply is no football," concluded the former top official.

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