ASSISTANT referee Sian Massey-Ellis is to retire from officiating after a career which she says was “beyond anything I could ever have imagined.”

Massey-Ellis will start work with the FA as senior manager for women referees having called time on a Premier League career that began in 2010 and has seen her officiate in more than 150 matches.

At the time, she was just the second female official to work on English top-flight matches and has since become the only woman to be part of an FA Cup final officiating team, acting as assistant VAR in 2021 and again in 2025.

She was awarded an MBE in 2016 for her impact on football officiating and commitment to representation and was also selected for the 2019 and 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cups.

In a statement, 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.

“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…To the young girl who simply loved refereeing and dreamed of reaching the very top — we did it. Thank you, football.”