Rebecca Welch, first Premier League woman referee

• Rebecca Welch has been promoted to top-flight duty after prior EFL and FA Cup appearances
• Last month Welch was the fourth official for Man Utd’s clash with Fulham
• Sam Allison is also to become the first Black official to referee a Premier League game since 2008

Rebecca Welch and Sam Allison, are poised to shatter barriers as the first woman and the first black man, respectively, to officiate Premier League matches. Scheduled for December 23 and Boxing Day, Welch will preside over the Fulham v Burnley clash, while Allison will command the pitch during Sheffield United’s home game against Luton. These groundbreaking appointments not only mark a significant leap forward in the realms of gender and racial equality but also serve as poignant reminders of the strides the footballing community is making toward inclusivity.

Rebecca Welch, at the age of 40, stands on the cusp of making history after a noteworthy journey that began in 2010. Her initial foray into refereeing coincided with her administrative role in the National Health Service (NHS). Over the years, she transitioned into a full-time officiating career, demonstrating resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to her craft. Her historic moment arrived in April 2021 when she became the first woman to referee an English Football League (EFL) match, taking the helm in the League Two fixture between Harrogate and Port Vale.

Rebecca Welch was the fourth official when Fulham took on Manchester United at Craven Cottage earlier this season in the Premier League. | PHOTO: Sky |

Howard Webb, the chief refereeing officer of Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), provides insight into Welch’s prowess on the field. Describing her as a calm and focused individual, Webb notes that she commands respect in an understated manner. Her game-reading, accurate decision-making, and athletic prowess on the field have not gone unnoticed. Drawing a comparison to Stephanie Frappart, the accomplished French official, Webb praises Welch’s determined approach and highlights her impressive command of a recent Championship game.

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Welch’s journey extends beyond the Premier League, as she has regularly officiated high-profile games in the Women’s Super League. Her resume includes overseeing the Women’s FA Cup finals at Wembley in 2017 and 2020, as well as officiating matches in the 2022 Women’s Euro and the recent Women’s World Cup. Breaking through gender barriers, Welch was the first woman to officiate in the men’s Championship and FA Cup third round. Her role as the fourth official in the Premier League encounter between Fulham and Manchester United further solidified her rising stature in the football officiating landscape.

Sam Allison, aged 42, brings his own unique narrative to the historic stage. A former player with a stint in clubs such as Swindon, Bristol City, Bournemouth, and Exeter, Allison transitioned from a career as a firefighter to focus full-time on officiating. His Premier League exposure began in October 2022 when he served as the fourth official in the fixture between Brighton and Chelsea. With over 100 matches in the English Football League (EFL) under his belt, Allison’s journey reflects a commendable commitment to the art of refereeing.

Both Welch and Allison emerged from a development group established last year, undergoing a rigorous selection process based on their performances. Webb acknowledges their consistent and noteworthy displays in the Championship this season, underscoring the merit behind their Premier League opportunities.

Beyond the personal achievements of Welch and Allison, their appointments carry broader significance in the push for diversity within football officiating. Kirsty Dowle, another FIFA-registered official, is set to take charge of her first Football League game, contributing to the growing representation of talented female officials in the game. Webb expresses hope that the success of these officials will serve as an inspiration, encouraging young girls and women to consider refereeing as a viable and rewarding career path.

Welch’s breakthrough as the first female Premier League referee and Allison’s role as the first black referee in 15 years stand as powerful symbols of progress. Webb emphasizes that these appointments not only celebrate individual achievements but also serve as role models for under-represented communities. The increased diversity in football officiating signals a positive shift towards a more inclusive and representative future for the sport. As Welch and Allison step onto the Premier League stage, they carry with them the hopes and aspirations of a more diverse and equal footballing landscape.