By Victor Kanayo
When matchday 11 gets underway on Saturday November 4, 2023, a female referee, Rebecca Welch, will make history as the first to officiate in the English Premier League (EPL).
According to organisers, Welch will be part of those that will be incharge of the clash between Fulham and Manchester United.
The Premier League game between Fulham and Manchester United will see Welch acting as the fourth official at Craven Cottage.
Welch will not be the only female official involved in the match as Sian Massey-Ellis will be assistant VAR for the game.
If match referee John Brooks picks up an injury then Welch will become the first female ever to referee a Premier League match, Goal reports.
The match will be the first of the day and it will kick-off 12.30 West African Time.
More Historical Perspective For Welch
Before this term, 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.
In both 2017 and 2020, Welch took charge of the women’s FA Cup final and 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.
