Rebecca Welch becomes first female referee to be appointed to EFL’s National Group list

Rebecca Welch has become the first female referee to be appointed to the English Football League’s National Group list for the men’s professional game.

Welch became the first woman to officiate an EFL match in April when she took charge of Harrogate’s 2-0 Sky Bet League Two defeat at home to Port Vale.

Welch’s promotion to the National Group list, alongside fellow referees Simon Mather, Andrew Kitchen and Tom Reeves, has been confirmed by the EFL.

Welch, from Washington, Tyne and Wear, made history at the age of 37 last season when she became the first woman to officiate an EFL match. 

In an impressive debut at Harrogate’s EnviroVent Stadium, her day went without major controversy, barring a contentious handball decision as she waved away Harrogate’s appeals for a first-half penalty.

Australian Jarred Gillett will become the first overseas referee in the Premier League after winning promotion from the EFL.

The 34-year-old is among four referees who will be added to the Select Group from next season.

Sportsmail reported last month that Gillett was expected to make the step up this summer, given his experience as a FIFA international official and his impressive performances since arriving in England in 2019.

Tony Harrington, John Brooks and Michael Salisbury have also been promoted.

Lancashire official Salisbury was only promoted to Select Group 2 last summer and is the son of former referee, Graham.

Harrington, from Hartlepool, refereed the recent League One play-off final at Wembley and has nine years’ experience in the EFL.

Leicestershire’s Brooks has experience as a Premier League assistant referee and has taken charge of EFL matches since 2016. He ran the line in the FA Cup Final of that same year.