Sian Massey-Ellis, one of English football's most recognisable match officials, has announced her retirement from the touchline after a career spanning more than a decade and a half at the top level of the game. The 40-year-old will move into a new position with the Football Association as senior manager for women referees, where she will focus on supporting and developing female officiating talent.
Massey-Ellis first appeared as an assistant referee in the Premier League in 2010, becoming only the second woman to reach that level in English football. Over the following years she went on to officiate more than 150 Premier League matches, establishing herself as a fixture in the top flight and a pioneering figure for women in officiating.
Her career included several landmark firsts. She became the first Englishwoman to officiate in a men's European fixture and remains the only woman to have been part of an FA Cup final officiating team, having served as assistant VAR in the 2021 final and being set to fulfil a similar role in 2025. She was also involved in five Women's FA Cup finals during her time as an official.
Beyond domestic football, Massey-Ellis built an international profile, taking charge of matches at the FIFA Women's World Cups in 2019 and 2023, as well as working across UEFA and FIFA competitions including European Championships and Champions League finals. Her contribution to the sport and to representation within it was formally recognised in 2016, when she was awarded an MBE.
Announcing her decision to step away from the pitch, Massey-Ellis reflected on a journey she described as far exceeding her expectations.