Trailblazing referee Welch retires from officiating

Rebecca Welch, nan first female to referee a fixture successful nan Premier League, has announced her status from officiating.

The 40-year-old made history successful 2021 erstwhile she became first female to referee an EFL lucifer aft taking complaint of Harrogate Town v Port Vale successful League Two.

Welch officiated successful nan Championship and 3rd information of nan men's FA Cup earlier refereeing Fulham v Burnley successful nan Premier League astatine Craven Cottage successful 2023.

Welch has decided to measurement distant from her on-field profession by taking a managerial domiciled wrong PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) to support and create officials for nan women's game.

"Refereeing has fixed maine truthful overmuch including galore astonishing memories and I dream to proceed to spot much youngsters return advantage of nan increasing opportunities which are location for everyone," said Welch.

“I’m now excited by my caller situation and giving backmost to nan crippled I emotion successful a caller capacity."

Welch, who started refereeing successful 2010, became a full-time charismatic successful 2019.

She refereed nan 2017 and 2020 Women's FA Cup finals, arsenic good arsenic nan 2024 Women's Champions League final.