Assistant referee Sian Massey-Ellis has retired from officiating and will take up a new role with the Football Association.
Massey-Ellis will become the FA's Senior Manager - Women Referees from September, where she will support and develop female officials across the country and help provide a pathway into the elite game.
The 40-year-old became only the second female assistant referee to officiate in the Premier League when she made her top-flight debut in 2010 and has since worked on more than 150 Premier League matches.
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Her career also included five Women's FA Cup finals, while she became the first female assistant referee appointed to the Community Shield. In 2021, Massey-Ellis became the first woman involved in a men's FA Cup final when she served as an assistant VAR, before also working as an AVAR at the 2025 Carabao Cup final.
On the international stage, Massey-Ellis officiated at four Women's European Championships and two Women's World Cups, as well as the 2018 Women's Champions League final. In 2019, she became the first English woman to officiate a men's European fixture when she worked as an assistant referee in the Europa League.
To the young girl who simply loved refereeing, we did it. Thank you, football.
Massey-Ellis, who received an MBE for services to football, said: "Although I am stepping away from the touchline, I am not stepping away from football.
"If my journey has helped change perceptions, open doors or inspire even one young person to believe they belong in the game, then I will consider that one of my greatest achievements.
"As I prepare for one final walk onto the pitch, I leave with nothing but gratitude. It has been the greatest honour to serve the game I love and represent English officiating."
Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb described Massey-Ellis as a "powerhouse" whose impact on female officiating "will be felt for years to come".
"Sian has done us proud time and time again - domestically and on the international stage, breaking multiple barriers and setting the standard for those coming through in her footsteps," Webb added.
