Esther Staubli, the only female Super League referee, has decided to put away her whistle with immediate effect. The 44-year-old Bernese wants to take new professional paths, explains a press release from the ASF.
Staubli led her last meeting on Friday during the semi-finals of the Women’s Nations League in Lyon. “By refereeing France – Germany, I finished on a strong moment. I was able to realize one last dream,” explains Staubli, who did not elaborate on the reasons for her withdrawal.
A pioneer
For 19 years, Staubli refereed at the Olympic Games twice. She also whistled several matches during three World Cups and three Euros. In 2017, she managed the Euro final between the Netherlands and Denmark. She also refereed two Women’s Champions League finals.
She is also a pioneer. Last November, she was the first Swiss woman to referee a men’s international match between Azerbaijan and Sweden. She was also the first woman to lead a game in a men’s tournament, in 2017, during the U17 World Cup.
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