Rebecca Welch becomes first referee inducted into WSL Hall of Fame | OneFootball

Rebecca Welch is the first referee to be inducted in the Women's Super League (WSL) Hall of Fame following her retirement earlier in the year.

Welch has been a key figure in English women's football since the league's inception, refereeing the WSL and it's cup competitions through the years.

The 41-year-old made history when she became the first female to oversee a Premier League, EFL, and Men's FA Cup fixture.

Welch has officiated on some of the biggest stages in global football, including the 2022 Women's Euros, the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, and the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Before hanging up the whistle, Welch made her last ever appearance in the Gold Medal match as a fourth official in the final between Brazil and the USA.

Following her retirement from refereeing, Welch continues to leave her mark on the women's game. She now works closely with Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL) as a manager working to inspire the next generation of WSL and Women's Championship officials.

Welch, along with former WSL stars Alex Scott, Steph Houghton and Gilly Flaherty, will all be formerly honoured at a WSL Hall of Fame induction ceremony in January 2025.