Rebecca Welch To Become First Woman To Referee In Premier League

Rebecca Welch is set to make history as the inaugural female referee in a Premier League match, having been selected to officiate the game between Fulham and Burnley scheduled for December 23.

Welch became a referee in 2010, combining the role with her job in Britain’s National Health Service.

In 2021, she was the first woman to be appointed to referee a match in the Football League when taking charge of the fourth-tier fixture between Harrogate and Port Vale.

Welch was also the first female official to referee matches in the Championship and third round of the FA Cup.

Last month she became the first woman to act as fourth official in a Premier League game as part of the team for Fulham’s match against Manchester United.

Welch has also taken charge of several high-profile women’s fixtures, including games at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.