Trailblazing referee Welch retires from officiating

Rebecca Welch, the first woman to referee a fixture in the Premier League, has announced her retirement from officiating.

The 40-year-old made history in 2021 when she became first woman to referee an EFL match after taking charge of Harrogate Town v Port Vale in League Two.

Welch officiated in the Championship and third round of the men's FA Cup before refereeing Fulham v Burnley in the Premier League at Craven Cottage in 2023.

Welch has decided to step away from her on-field career by taking a managerial role within PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) to support and develop officials for the women's game.

"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," said Welch.

“I’m now excited by my new challenge and giving back to the game I love in a new capacity."

Welch, who started refereeing in 2010, became a full-time official in 2019.

She refereed the 2017 and 2020 Women's FA Cup finals, as well as the 2024 Women's Champions League final.