Trailblazer Rebecca Welch retires as referee to help new wave of female officials

Rebecca Welch, the first woman to referee a Premier League fixture , has retired from officiating at the age of 40. She is taking an off-pitch role helping the next generation of female officials.

Welch, who was also the first woman to referee an English Football League match, has regularly officiated in international competitions and took charge of last season’s Women’s Champions League final between Barcelona and Lyon. She was among the best-known and most experienced officials in the Women’s Super League, frequently overseeing its highest-profile matches, and has been hired by Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).

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As manager of the Select Group Women’s Professional Game she will be tasked with supporting and developing WSL and Women’s Championship match officials. Last season, the vast majority of referees in the WSL select group were women.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the support, guidance and opportunities I’ve been given during an unforgettable time on the field,” she said. “Refereeing has given me so much including many amazing memories and I hope to continue to see more youngsters take advantage of the growing opportunities which are there for everyone. I’m now excited by my new challenge and giving back to the game I love in a new capacity.”

Formerly an NHS worker, Welch started refereeing in 2010 and became a full-time official in 2019. She became the first woman to referee an EFL match, taking charge of Harrogate Town v Port Vale in 2021, and oversaw Fulham v Burnley in the Premier League in December 2023.

The PGMOL’s chief refereeing officer, Howard Webb, said: “Rebecca has been a pioneering figure within refereeing, consistently breaking barriers and achieving great things in England while she has also done us proud on the international stage when representing PGMOL and The FA at major tournaments, including the recent Olympics.

“I have no doubt her expertise and passion will be invaluable in her managerial role with us. We’re thrilled to have her as part of our team of support staff and we’re confident that her contributions will continue to be hugely significant.”

Welch has taken charge of two Women’s FA Cup finals, in 2017 and 2020, and has worked at tournaments including the 2022 Women’s Euros, the 2023 Women’s World Cup and the Paris Olympics women’s football, finishing her career as the fourth official for the final.