Rebecca Welch to make history by becoming the first woman to referee a Premier League match

Rebecca Welch will become the first woman referee to take charge of a Premier League match when she officiates Burnley's trip to Fulham on December 23.

The PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) made the announcement on Thursday confirming that Welch would make Premier League history during the festive period.

Earlier this month, she became the first woman to act as a fourth official in the technical area during Manchester United's 1-0 win at Fulham.

Welch was also an official during the 2023 Women's World Cup last summer as she was the referee for the last-16 tie between Australia and Denmark.

She has enjoyed a successful year in 2023 and has been making history throughout her career in the game.

Welch became a referee on a full-time basis in 2010 after managing to balance the role alongside her job in the NHS.

She first made history two years ago by becoming the first woman to referee an EFL match when she officiated the League Two clash between Harrogate Town and Port Vale.

Welch has also officiated some high-profile games and tournaments in the women's game - she was the referee for the 2017 and 2020 FA Cup finals at Wembley.

She also took charge of matches at the 2022 UEFA Women’s European Championship, while also becoming the first woman to referee matches in the men's Championship and FA Cup.

Meanwhile, referee Sam Allison will become the first Black referee to take charge of a Premier League game since former official Uriah Rennie in 2008.

The 42-year-old will officiate the Boxing Day match between Sheffield United and Luton.

In 2020, Allison become the third Black referee to officiate in the EFL and he has taken charge of 100 EFL matches.

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