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Sian Massey-Ellis has announced her retirement from officiating football matches [Getty Images]
Assistant referee Sian Massey‑Ellis has announced her retirement from officiating to take up a position with the Football Association.
Massey‑Ellis, who officiated in more than 150 Premier League matches, will start a senior manager role focused on supporting and developing female officials.
Since rising to the Premier League as an assistant referee in 2010 - becoming only the second woman to do so - Massey‑Ellis became the first Englishwoman to officiate in a men's European fixture and first woman to officiate in a men's FA Cup final, as well as being involved in five Women's FA Cup finals.
After announcing her retirement, Massey-Ellis said: "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."
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Massey-Ellis has also officiated on a international stage, representing England at four Uefa Women's Euro tournaments and at the 2019 and 2023 Fifa Women's World Cups.
In the 2017 New Year's Honours, Massey-Ellis received an MBE for her impact on football officiating and commitment to representation.
"While there have been unforgettable highs and difficult moments, what I will treasure most are the people and experiences that have defined my journey," said Massey-Ellis.
"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.
"It has been the greatest honour to serve the game I love and represent English officiating. To the young girl who simply loved refereeing and dreamed of reaching the very top - we did it. Thank you, football."
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