Rebecca Welch makes history as First Female Referee of Premier League game

Rebecca Welch has been chosen as a Premier League first female referee as she has been selected to officiate Fulham’s match against Burnley on December 23, 2023.

Welch became a referee in 2010, juggling the job with her work in the British National Health Service.

She officiated a Football League match between Harrogate and Port Vale in 2021, becoming the first woman to hold the position.

In addition, Welch was the first female official to officiate games in the FA Cup’s third round and the Championship.

She made history last month when 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 is also in charge of several high-profile women’s fixtures, including games at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.