Assistant referee Sian Massey‑Ellis is retiring from on-field duties to take up a role with the Football Association.
Massey‑Ellis, who has officiated in more than 150 Premier League matches, will assume a senior manager position focused on supporting and developing female match officials.
Promoted to the Premier League as an assistant in 2010—only the second woman to do so—she later became the first Englishwoman to officiate a men’s European fixture and the first woman to officiate in a men’s FA Cup final, and she has also taken part in five Women’s FA Cup finals.
Announcing her retirement, the 40-year-old said she may be stepping away from the touchline but not from football.
She added that if her journey has shifted perceptions, opened doors, or inspired even one young person to feel they belong in the game, she would consider that among her greatest achievements.