Trailblazing assistant referee Sian Massey-Ellis MBE has today announced her retirement from officiating to take up a role with The FA.
Massey-Ellis is hanging up her flag after a remarkable career having successfully landed the position of Senior Manager - Women Referees, where she will be supporting and developing the growing pool of female officials, as well as continuing to inspire the next generation.
Since reaching the Premier League in 2010, at the time only the second female to ever do so, Massey-Ellis has officiated on over 150 top-flight matches. Alongside this, she has a plethora of domestic milestones, including involvement in five Women's FA Cup final matches. In the men's game, notable appointments include becoming the first female assistant referee appointed to the FA Community Shield, the first female to be involved in the men's FA Cup final following her appointment as AVAR in 2021 and, in 2025, she was appointed as AVAR to the Carabao Cup final.
Massey-Ellis' international achievements are equally exceptional. She was reserve assistant referee at the 2013 and 2017 UEFA Women's Champions League finals, before being appointed as assistant referee to the 2018 European showpiece. She has represented England at four UEFA Women's EURO tournaments, including an appointment to the final in 2013 and, most recently, two quarter-final appointments as AVAR in the 2025 instalment. Massey-Ellis was also selected for the 2019 and 2023 FIFA Women's World Cups and was appointed as video match official for the tournament's third place play-off game in 2023. Alongside these accolades in the women's game, she was also the first English woman to officiate a men's European fixture, serving as an assistant referee for a UEFA Europa League game in 2019.
Off the pitch, and throughout her career, Massey-Ellis has been a huge champion for equality and driving positive change, receiving an MBE for her impact on football officiating and commitment to representation. She is recognised as an ambassador for women and girls entering into officiating and serves as a role model, having paved the way for, and inspired, many of the growing number of female officials now coming through the pathway.
Massey-Ellis said: “From standing beneath the Premier League sign before my very first match to officiating at FIFA World Cups, UEFA European Championships, Champions League finals and across domestic fixtures and competitions in England, football has taken me on a journey beyond anything I could ever have imagined. Every opportunity has been a privilege and one I have never taken for granted.
“Throughout my career, football has challenged me, tested my resilience and pushed me to become a better professional and person. While there have been unforgettable highs and difficult moments, what I will treasure most are the people and experiences that have defined my journey. I am incredibly grateful to Pro Ref, The FA, FIFA and UEFA for the opportunities they gave me, as well as every coach, mentor, colleague and match official I have had the privilege of working alongside. Above all, I owe an enormous debt of thanks to my family, whose unwavering support, sacrifices and belief made every achievement possible.
“Although I am stepping away from the touchline, I am not stepping away from football. If my journey has helped change perceptions, open doors or inspire even one young person to believe they belong in the game, then I will consider that one of my greatest achievements. I'm excited by the opportunity to help support, develop and inspire the next generation of match officials, giving something back to a sport that has done so much for me.
“As I prepare for one final walk onto the pitch, I leave with nothing but gratitude. It has been the greatest honour to serve the game I love and represent English officiating. To the young girl who simply loved refereeing and dreamed of reaching the very top - we did it. Thank you, football."
Pro Ref Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb said: “Sian has been nothing short of a powerhouse throughout her career, both on the pitch and within her relentless advocacy for females in officiating, the impact of which will be felt for years to come. She has done us proud time and time again - domestically and on the international stage, breaking multiple barriers and setting the standard for those coming through in her footsteps.
“Her consistent professionalism and commitment to the role, along with her talent of course, have enabled her to perform at the highest levels of the men's and women's professional game, acting as an excellent representative for officiating in England. I'm thrilled that Sian will be continuing to contribute to the game in her new role with The FA and all of us at Pro Ref wish her all the very best for that as well as offer our congratulations on an inspirational career which will leave a long-lasting impact."
Andy Ambler, The FA’s Director of Professional Game Relations said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Sian to our refereeing team from September. Sian brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of refereeing to the role, having previously officiated at the highest level of the game. Sian will work with female match officials across the country to help develop the next generation of talent, with a focus on ensuring a clear, inclusive, and sustainable pathway from new recruits through to the semi-professional and elite environments.”
