LONDON: Rebecca Welch will become the first female referee of a Premier League match after being appointed to oversee Fulham’s game against Burnley on December 23.
Welch became a referee in 2010, combining the role with her job in Britain’s National Health Service.
In 2021, she was the first woman to be appointed to referee a match in the Football League when taking charge of the fourth-tier fixture between Harrogate and Port Vale.
Welch was also the first female official to referee matches in the Championship and third round of the FA Cup.
Also read: Juventus boss Allegri plays down title hopes
Last month she became the first woman to act as fourth official in a Premier League game as part of the team for Fulham’s match against Manchester United.
Welch has also taken charge of several high-profile women’s fixtures, including games at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
