Assistant Referee Sian Massey‑ellis Announces Her Retirement From Officiating to Take Up a Position With the Football Association

Sian Massey-Ellis has announced her retirement from officiating football matches. Massey‑Ellis, who officiated in more than 150 Premier League matches, will start a senior manager role focused on supporting and developing female officials. Since rising to the Premier League as an assistant referee in 2010 - becoming only the second woman to do so - Massey‑Ellis became the first Englishwoman to officiate in a men's European fixture and first woman to officiate in a men's FA Cup final, as well as being involved in five Women's FA Cup finals.

After announcing her retirement, Massey-Ellis said: "Although I am stepping away from the touchline, I am not stepping away from football. "If my journey has helped change perceptions, open doors or inspire even one young person to believe they belong in the game, then I will consider that one of my greatest achievements. Retired Taylor named head of refereeing in Turkey.

Trailblazing referee Welch retires from officiating. Massey-Ellis has also officiated on a international stage, representing England at four Uefa Women's Euro tournaments and at the 2019 and 2023 Fifa Women's World Cups. In the 2017 New Year's Honours, Massey-Ellis received an MBE for her impact on football officiating and commitment to representation. While there have been unforgettable highs and difficult moments, what I will treasure most are the people and experiences that have defined my journey, said Massey-Ellis.