Massey-Ellis’s New Role and Career Highlights
Sian Massey-Ellis, an assistant referee, has announced her retirement from officiating. She is set to begin a new position with the Football Association (FA) in September. In her new role, Massey-Ellis will serve as the FA’s Senior Manager – Women Referees, where her focus will be on supporting and developing female officials across the country.
Her career as an official includes more than 150 Premier League matches. She made her debut in the top flight in 2010, becoming the second female assistant referee to officiate in the Premier League. Massey-Ellis’s domestic achievements also include involvement in five Women’s FA Cup finals and becoming the first female assistant referee appointed to the Community Shield. In 2021, she was the first woman involved in a men’s FA Cup final, serving as an assistant VAR.
On the international stage, Massey-Ellis officiated at four Women’s European Championships and was selected for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. 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. In 2019, she became the first English woman to officiate a men’s European fixture, working as an assistant referee in the Europa League.
Impact and Recognition
Massey-Ellis has been recognised for her contributions to football, receiving an MBE for services to the sport. Her career has been described as groundbreaking, repeatedly breaking new ground for women in English football. She has been a champion for equality and has worked to drive positive change within the sport.
Reflecting on her career, Massey-Ellis stated that if her journey has helped change perceptions, open doors, or inspired young people to believe they belong in the game, she would consider that one of her greatest achievements. She expressed gratitude for the opportunities and experiences that have defined her journey.
Her career also included challenging moments. In January 2011, she was at the centre of a controversy involving off-air comments made by presenters Richard Keys and Andy Gray. Their remarks led to widespread criticism, and both presenters subsequently left their roles.
Looking Ahead
Howard Webb, Chief Refereeing Officer, described Massey-Ellis as a “powerhouse” whose impact on female officiating will be felt for years. He highlighted her consistent professionalism, commitment, and talent, which enabled her to perform at the highest levels of the men’s and women’s professional game.
Massey-Ellis will now use her extensive experience to help improve opportunities and pathways for female officials in her new senior position at the FA. She expressed excitement about the opportunity to support, develop, and inspire the next generation of match officials, giving back to the sport.
Andy Ambler, the FA’s Director of Professional Game Relations, welcomed Massey-Ellis to the refereeing team, noting her wealth of experience and knowledge. She will work with female match officials to develop new talent, focusing on creating a clear, inclusive, and sustainable pathway from new recruits to elite environments. Massey-Ellis was appointed as AVAR to the 2025 Carabao Cup final.
Source: skysports.com
