EPL Set To Have First Female Referee As Role In Fulham vs Man United Clash 

Rebecca Welch will officiate Manchester United’s match against Fulham on Saturday, making history as the first female referee to oversee a Premier League match.

The 12.30 p.m. kickoff between Fulham and United will feature Welch as fourth official, but after a string of appalling performances, most eyes will be on Erik ten Hag on the touchline. The 39-year-old has advanced through the PGMOL’s ranks and will now serve as the Premier League’s first full-time female fourth official. In January, she became the first woman to oversee a Championship game.

READ ALSO: Man Utd Legend Defends Ten Hag Amid Poor Start To The Season 

Sian Massey-Ellis, Wendy Toms, and Natalie Aspinall have all served as assistant referees in the top division in the past. Massey-Ellis will also be assisting Welch on Saturday as the assistant VAR from Stockley Park. Welch made the decision to become a referee rather than pursue the assistant path.

Welch’s career has grown significantly as she became the first woman to officiate in a Championship match between Preston North End and Birmingham City. Welch was also chosen to referee at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023. Welch took charge of three games, including the round of 16 clash between Denmark and Australia.

Having overseen the women’s FA Cup final in both 2017 and 2020, Welch was elevated to the top division of female referees by UEFA. Later, in 2021, she made history as the first female referee in England by officiating a professional game.