Rebecca Welch is set to be the first ever woman referee to be involved in a Premier League game this weekend.
Welch, 39, will be the fourth official for Fulham's clash against Man United at Craven Cottage on Saturday lunchtime.
She has had a fast rise up the officiating ladder over the past year, with Welch taking charge of Birmingham City vs Preston North End in January, becoming the first female official to referee a Championship game in the process.
After beginning refereeing in 2010, Welch combined it with her work in the NHS in an admin role until 2019 when she decided to go full-time.
Welch has consistently broken records as she was also the first woman to referee an EFL match when she took charge of Harrogate Town vs Port Vale in League Two in 2021.
She has also officiated games in the WSL and took charge of three games at the Women's World Cup over the summer after being promoted to UEFA's elite category of female referees in 2020.
However, her chances of progressing at the tournament were hindered by England's run to the final, before they ultimately lost to Spain 1-0.
Welch's appearance on the touchline on Saturday will cap a staggering rise given she was refereeing in the National League until two years ago, combining that with her work in the women's game.
She has been seen officiating several games across the EFL so far this season.
The promotion of Welch is also the latest example of PGMOL advancing diversity among officials.
Back in January, Bhupinder Singh Gill was the first Sikh-Punjabi to be an assistant referee in the top flight when Southampton played Nottingham Forest.
Several other young and promising referees have also quickly risen through the ranks in recent times.
For example, Sam Barrott - who was in charge of Bournemouth's controversial victory over Burnley on Saturday - had only refereed 10 games in the Championship before being promoted to the Premier League at the age of 30.
coaadiorty
0
football will be as political and disgusting as parliament as long as females are involved out of the notion of equality.
hawacdkmno
1
To bad her tits are tiny
Sihentuyz
0
it's a good referer because she is a woman who no's best thing in apich
Vocdilosyz
0
From Man to Woman...hoping Manchester doesn't become Womanchester on Saturday FUL-HAM clash.
ezekielakinsanya
0
this would be cool woman ref will blow normally
nobleng123
0
It's better, women don't take nonsense and bribes
iriho24
0
Nah they've been some ass. women referees, she ain't the first one 🥱
Yecadikos
0
FA trying so hard to make sure United win a game by any means
if u don't know how to talk or how to say pls you should just keep quiet
Kabbmnotyz
0
she's fuccof
nellomcfc
2
FA trying so hard to make sure United win a game by any means
Unitedme
2
qomen hates Manchester United
Diego_Simeone007
0
JESUS
S100K
6
It's now obvious Man United is a woman Club. As they still need a woman referee to help them.
Raedksy
0
Can one call a fourth official the referee or must the referee be unable to ref the the game before the fourth official becomes the referee. Just asking.
JohnCyrus
1
EPL doesn’t consider GGMU anymore.
hipimnost
0
Makes no difference. We're still getting cooked😩😩
Pubcelnrt
2
United up this time
Jeremykyan1
0
it's because of Manchester united Unseriousness lack of form, so they deserve a female refereeing, it seems that they have complain the male referee is harsh on them, they need a soft Heart
stop masking yourself behind the United badge. making fun of your club like this is wrong
Jeremykyan1
1
thank goodness it's not Michael Oliver or any of the bald heads for refs. hopefully she can be more fair than those men.
huzbdknuyz
0
it's because of Manchester united Unseriousness lack of form, so they deserve a female refereeing, it seems that they have complain the male referee is harsh on them, they need a soft Heart
she will be the fourth official
huzbdknuyz
1
she will be the fourth official
_stekafo4
2
it's because of Manchester united Unseriousness lack of form, so they deserve a female refereeing, it seems that they have complain the male referee is harsh on them, they need a soft Heart
Peddiknopy
1
That's great 👍.