Assistant referee Massey-Ellis retires to take FA role

Assistant referee Massey-Ellis retires to take FA roleImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Sian Massey-Ellis has declared her retirement from officiating football matchesByJude WinterBBC Sport journalistPublished33 minutes agoAssistant referee Sian Massey‑Ellis has declared 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 stated: “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.”Retired Taylor named head of refereeing in Turkey