More referees set for top-level postings as PGMOL looks to increase diversity

Rebecca Welch became the first woman to referee a Premier League match over Christmas.

Referee Rebecca Welch made Premier League history in December (Bradley Collyer/PA) (PA Wire)

More up-and-coming referees are set to get top-level opportunities like trailblazers Rebecca Welch and Sam Allison as the PGMOL looks to develop refereeing and widen the pool of diverse officials.

History was made over Christmas as Welch became the first woman to referee a Premier League match and Allison became the first black official to take charge of a top-flight game in 15 years.

The pair are part of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited’s 42-strong development group of referees and assistants, focused on aiding and improving talented officials.

Sam Barrott is another member of that group and stepped up to take charge of Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg between Middlesbrough and Chelsea.

PA understands more opportunities are set to follow for emerging officials as the Howard Webb-led organisation looks to develop refereeing and increase diversity.

The appointment of Welch for the Premier League match between Fulham and Burnley on December 23 made particular waves.

Her absence from top-flight games since has led former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett to criticise the organisation, claiming it is “run by a bunch of amateurs who operate like a Mayfair Gentleman’s Club”.

Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, the 79-year-old said on Wednesday: “Job for the boys – when is Rebecca Welch going to be appointed to her next Premier League game? Was it to look good from a PGMOL PR point of view. She officiated well.”

Welch has taken charge of a top-flight side since her Premier League debut, having refereed Bournemouth’s FA Cup third-round win at QPR.

Further development games at a higher level will surely follow but she is not yet a member of Select Group 1, which was announced at the start of the season.

The PGMOL trains and develops 117 referees and 177 assistants, with 20 referees forming part of Select Group 1.