Stéphanie Frappart
Her name crosses the borders of Ligue 1. Stéphanie Frappart is not just a referee, she is a pioneer who has paved the way at the highest global level. From the Champions League to the World Cup, she has experienced it all. For OM, to be refereed by her is to measure up to a benchmark, a woman who never wavers, even in the most incandescent Vélodrome.
Identity Card — to remember
Stéphanie Frappart, an international French referee, is an iconic figure in world refereeing. Promoted to Ligue 1 in 2019, she immediately broke the norms. Holder of the FIFA badge, her record is exceptional: first woman to referee in Ligue 1, in the men's Champions League (2020), in the UEFA Super Cup final (2019), and in a men's World Cup (2022). Her experience is a guarantee of authority and serenity.
What the Marseillais say
On the internet, Stéphanie Frappart is often judged at another level than her colleagues. Her international status and calm command respect, even though her decisions are, like any referee, debated.
Olympian Calm: This is her most distinguishing feature. Supporters almost unanimously acknowledge her perfect control of events. She never lets herself be carried away by tension, does not respond to provocations, and handles the hottest situations with disarming calm. "She is above the pressure" is a comment often made.
The Precision of VAR: Accustomed to European standards, her use of VAR is perceived as very professional. She does not overuse the tool but relies on it effectively when the situation demands it. The decisions, even if sometimes unfavorable, are rarely judged as "amateur".
A Refereeing that lets play: She is known for not being quick to whistle. She favors fluidity and rhythm, which is generally very appreciated by Marseille supporters who like to see an intense and spectacular match.
OM's history with this referee
The real history of Stéphanie Frappart with OM is quite different from the fanciful lists. She has crossed the club's path several times, often in important matches, with a rather balanced record.
| Date | Opponent | Home/Away | Result | Key Moment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-04-24 | OGC Nice | Home | D 2-2 | Logical expulsion of a Marseille player. |
| 2023-05-27 | Stade Brestois | Home | L 1-2 | A surprising defeat at the Vélodrome. |
| 2023-02-26 | Paris Saint-Germain | Home | L 0-3 | Her first "Classic", handled with authority despite the score. |
| 2022-05-14 | Stade Rennais | Away | L 0-2 | A difficult away match. |
| 2022-01-07 | Bordeaux | Away | W 1-0 | Historic victory ending Bordeaux's 44-year home invincibility. |
| 2021-09-19 | Stade Rennais | Home | W 2-0 | A well-controlled match from start to finish. |
This true history shows that she has been designated for high-stakes matches, such as the "Classic" of 2023 or the historic match in Bordeaux. Her decisions, like the expulsion against Nice, are taken and in accordance with the laws of the game.
Trends that matter for OM
Stéphanie Frappart is not a card-happy referee. Her average is on the lower end of Ligue 1. Her main tendency is to let the game play on, which favors playing teams. She only penalizes clear fouls and does not get tricked by simulations.
For OM, her refereeing is an invitation to produce play. She won't restrict offensive initiatives. However, her international experience also means she is uncompromising with protests and unsporting behavior. Respect is a non-negotiable condition.
VAR & tense matches
This is her area of excellence. Having officiated in the biggest competitions, she masters the VAR protocol perfectly. She communicates clearly and concisely with her assistants, and her post-VAR decisions are rarely contestable on a factual level. She is used to the media pressure surrounding these decisions.
Her appointment to an OM-PSG "Classic" proves the trust the refereeing directorate has in her. She is considered one of the most reliable for matches where tension is at its peak. Her calm is her best asset to defuse conflicts.
What to expect in the next match
When Stéphanie Frappart is on the whistle, supporters can expect world-class refereeing. Prepare for a fluid match, where the spectacle will be prioritized, but where discipline will be enforced with unyielding rigor. She will not be influenced by the atmosphere, no matter how electric it is.
For our players, it's an opportunity to measure themselves against the best. They will need to combine Marseille intensity with tactical intelligence and total respect for the refereeing body. It is in this setting that OM will best express its potential and, hopefully, add another victory to its history with this exceptional referee.