Sian Massey-Ellis has recently announced her retirement as a referee. Despite stepping away from her role in officiating, she is taking up a new position with the FA. Her new role will focus on supporting and developing female officials in football.
Sian Massey-Ellis’ career so far
Massey-Ellis is retiring as a referee after an incredible career. She became an assistant referee in the Premier League in 2010 and officiated in more than 150 matches. Massey-Ellis also made history when she became the first English female referee to officiate in a men’s European fixture and the first female referee to officiate in a men’s FA Cup final. Her contribution to women’s football in England has also been hugely significant, as she was involved in five women’s FA Cup finals and represented England as an official at four Women’s Euros tournaments and two Women’s World Cups. Her career was celebrated in 2017 when she received an MBE for her impact on football officiating and commitment to representation.
What does her new role involve?
Throughout her career, Massey-Ellis has also always been committed to representation and supporting the pathways for women entering into officiating and refereeing. Studies in 2025 show that of roughly 36,000 registered referees in England, only about 3,000 of them are women. This highlights the importance of role models, such as Sian Massey-Ellis, for the development of pathways for women into the world of officiating. These figures also demonstrate why Massey-Ellis’ new role with the FA could be hugely significant for the development of the pathways for women into the field of officiating and refereeing.
When speaking to the FA about her new role, Massey-Ellis said:
“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.”
