Assistant referee Massey-Ellis retires to take FA role

What the report says

Assistant referee Sian Massey-Ellis has retired from on-field officiating to take a senior role with the Football Association, according to the reporting shared by Nile Post, which drew on BBC Sport coverage. The move marks the end of a long refereeing career in which she became one of the most recognisable officials in English football.

Massey-Ellis is reported to have worked more than 150 Premier League matches. She first reached the Premier League as an assistant referee in 2010, becoming only the second woman to do so. Her career also included several notable milestones, including becoming the first Englishwoman to officiate in a men’s European fixture and the first woman to run the line in a men’s FA Cup final. She also took part in five Women’s FA Cup finals.

The new FA position will focus on supporting and developing female officials. In the public comments carried by the original article, Massey-Ellis said she was stepping away from the touchline but not from football, and expressed a desire to help the next generation of match officials. She also reflected on how her path may have helped change perceptions and encourage young people to believe they belong in the game.

The article adds that she has represented England at four UEFA Women’s Euros and at the 2019 and 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cups. She was awarded an MBE in the 2017 New Year Honours for her contribution to football officiating and representation.