SIAN MASSEY-ELLIS RETIRES FROM OFFICIATING TO JOIN FA

Assistant referee Sian Massey-Ellis has retired from officiating and will take up a senior manager role with the Football Association focused on supporting and developing female officials. Massey-Ellis officiated in more than 150 Premier League matches during her career. She said in a statement that although she is stepping away from the touchline, she is not stepping away from football, and expressed hope that her journey has helped change perceptions and inspire young people to pursue careers in the game.

Massey-Ellis became the second woman to rise to the Premier League as an assistant referee when she did so in 2010. She later became the first Englishwoman to officiate in a men's European fixture and the first woman to officiate in a men's FA Cup final. Massey-Ellis also officiated at five Women's FA Cup finals, four UEFA Women's Euro tournaments, and the 2019 and 2023 FIFA Women's World Cups. She received an MBE in the 2017 New Year's Honours for her impact on football officiating and commitment to representation.

Massey-Ellis described her career as an honour and stated that she treasures the people and experiences that defined her journey. She expressed excitement about the opportunity to support and develop the next generation of match officials. The FA has not yet announced further details about her new position.