Man City news: Ex-Fifa official issues ‘massive’ claim as Ilkay Gundogan clip emerges
Man City captain Ilkay Gundogan was involved in a “massive” historic moment during Germany’s 4-2 win over Costa Rica at the World Cup on Thursday (1 December), according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League official delivered his verdict after Stephanie Frappart became the first woman to referee a game at the men’s World Cup.
Both of Frappart’s assistants were also female while Fifa have also enlisted three other female officials for the tournament.
The game passed without major controversy as Germany secured a victory that was ultimately not enough for them to progress to the knockout stages.
Frappart, 38, from France is a regular referee of Ligue 1 games and also oversaw Real Madrid’s 5-1 win over Celtic in the Champions League last month (2 November).
“There’s no question that this is a massive step in the game and sends out a huge message across the world,” Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“It’s a credit to her because she is a good referee. She’s proven it in her own country and she’s proven it across Europe because she’s done a Champions League game.
“All three female officials at the tournament are experienced referees and therefore it’s not surprising.
“It’s a huge move. She stands no-nonsense by the way, she’s a really tough referee.”
As quoted by Sky News ahead of the game, Frappart admitted she would go into the game with “enormous emotion”.
Meanwhile, Fifa described it as “history in the making”.
In other news, “Man City are powerless” as an Erling Haaland “suspension” is mooted after a major reveal.