Female referee to take charge of a UEFA men's game for the first time EVER

Stephanie Frappart will referee the UEFA Super Cup final [Courtesy]

UEFA have announced a woman will referee a major men's European fixture for the first time in this month's Super Cup final.

Frenchwoman Stephanie Frappart has been nominated to take charge of the clash between Liverpool and Chelsea on August 14.

She will be assisted by two other female officials, Manuela Nicolosi - also of France - and Ireland's Michelle O'Neill.

The match will take place at the home of Turkish club Besiktas' stadium Vodafone Park in Istanbul.

Frappart is no stranger to the big occasions, having refereed the FIFA Women's World Cup final back in July.

The 35-year-old also made history in her homeland when she became the first female to officiate a men's match in the French Ligue 1, where she will be a registered referee for next season.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin told the governing body’s website: “I have said on many occasions that the potential for women's football has no limits and I am delighted that Stéphanie Frappart has been appointed to officiate at this year's UEFA Super Cup along with assistant referees Manuela Nicolosi and Michelle O'Neill.

"As an organisation, we place the utmost importance on the development of women's football in all areas. I hope the skill and devotion that Stéphanie has shown throughout her career to reach this level will provide inspiration to millions of girls and women around Europe and show them there should be no barriers in order to reach one's dream."

Frappart is not the first female to be involved in officiating in a UEFA competition after Nicole Petignat took charge of three UEFA Cup qualifying round games from 2004-2009.

It is, however, a ground-breaking moment, and an opportunity which UEFA's chief refereeing officer Roberto Rosetti says Frappart "fully deserves".

Rosetti added: "Stéphanie has proved over a number of years that she is one of the best female referees, not just in Europe but across the world," said Rosetti.

"She has the ability to officiate on the biggest stage, as she proved at this year's Women's World Cup final.

"I hope this match in Istanbul will provide her with yet more experience as she enters the prime of her refereeing career."

Male Turkish national Cuneyt Cakir will be carrying out the role of the fourth official for the match.