Assistant referee Sian Massey‑Ellis retires to take FA role

Assistant referee Sian Massey‑Ellis has announced her retirement from officiating to take up a position with the Football Association.

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.”