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).
