Rebecca Welch has been appointed as the fourth official for Manchester United’s Premier League game against Fulham on Saturday, November 4, 2023.
The former NHS officer turned referee is the first woman to be appointed as a fourth official for a Premier League game. She will work on the touchline assisting the center referee on substitutions and on-field decisions at Craven Cottage.
The appointment of Rebecca Welch for the Fulham Vs Manchester United clash heralds a landmark moment in the history football officiating in English football.
The decision has been hailed as a step in the right direction and a glimmer of hope for increased integration and promotion of inclusivity in the sports.
Over the years, women have been underrepresented in key roles in men’s football. Rebecca Welch’s appointment marks a departure from old traditions that divides football along gender lines and expediting the process of integrating men and women football to bridge gap and promote a holistic development of the game as a whole.
Who is Rebecca Welch?
Rebecca Welch, 39, is an English professional football referee. Welch previously worked as an NHS worker before taking up a career in football officiating.
According to reports, she decided to take up the career after being challenged by a close friend in 2012. She started out as a regular female footballer before switching to match officiating.
Welch officiated college football matches and rose through the ranks to earn her badge as a FIFA referee.
She has officiated League Two matches, Women FA Cup final, Women Champions League matches, including international women matches
