Sian Massey-Ellis Retires to Lead FA Women's Referees

A pioneering assistant referee trades the touchline for an FA office to nurture the next generation of female officials.

What happened. Sian Massey-Ellis has retired from officiating and will become the FA's Senior Manager - Women Referees from September, supporting and developing female officials across the country.

• First female assistant referee in a men's FA Cup final (2021).
• First English woman to officiate a men's European fixture (2019).
• Received an MBE for services to football.

“Although I am stepping away from the touchline, I am not stepping away from football.”

— Sian Massey-Ellis

She will help provide a pathway for female officials into the elite game, building on her barrier-breaking career.

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N. Ellis

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