Massey-Ellis retires from officiating for FA development role
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- Sian Massey-Ellis announced her retirement from officiating to take up a senior manager position at the Football Association focused on supporting and developing female officials.
- She officiated in more than 150 Premier League matches after becoming only the second woman to serve as an assistant referee in the league in 2010.
- Massey-Ellis became the first Englishwoman to officiate a men's European fixture and the first woman to officiate a men's FA Cup final, while also being involved in five Women's FA Cup finals.
- Massey-Ellis represented England at four UEFA Women's Euro tournaments and officiated at both the 2019 and 2023 FIFA Women's World Cups.
- She received an MBE in the 2017 New Year's Honours for her impact on football officiating and commitment to representation.
Why it matters: The FA gains one of the most credentialed female officials in English football history to lead its development pipeline. With over 150 Premier League matches and two Women's World Cups on her resume, Massey-Ellis brings direct top-level experience to shape the next generation of women officials in a sport that has long struggled with representation.
