Rebecca Welch Makes History as First Woman Referee in Premier League, Officiating Fulham vs. Burnley
Rebecca Welch became the Premier League's first female referee, overseeing Fulham's 2-0 loss to Burnley. Having started refereeing in 2010 alongside her NHS role, Welch turned professional in 2019.
Previously, she was the first woman to referee a Championship men's game and acted as the fourth official at a Fulham-Manchester United match.
Burnley's coach, Vincent Kompany, praised this milestone, emphasizing the importance of merit-based judgment while acknowledging the significance of Welch's first. Welch, from Tyne and Wear, has been prominent in the Women's Super League and was listed as a top international match official by Fifa in 2020.
Referee chief Howard Webb celebrated this historic moment, noting Welch's experience, including at the Women's World Cup, as an inspiration. In response to historical underrepresentation, the Football Association plans to enlist additional women and minority referees by 2026.
Burnley's coach, Vincent Kompany, praised this milestone, emphasizing the importance of merit-based judgment while acknowledging the significance of Welch's first. Welch, from Tyne and Wear, has been prominent in the Women's Super League and was listed as a top international match official by Fifa in 2020.
Referee chief Howard Webb celebrated this historic moment, noting Welch's experience, including at the Women's World Cup, as an inspiration. In response to historical underrepresentation, the Football Association plans to enlist additional women and minority referees by 2026.
