Rebecca Welch and Sam Allison to Make Premier League Refereeing History

Welch will be the first woman to referee a Premier League match, while Allison will be the first Black referee in the league in 15 years.

Rebecca Welch will become the first woman to referee a Premier League match when she officiates Fulham's game against Burnley on December 23.
Sam Allison will become the first Black referee in the Premier League in 15 years when he officiates Sheffield United's game against Luton Town on December 26.
Welch has been a referee since 2010, initially balancing the role with her job in the National Health Service before becoming a full-time match official.
Welch has previously officiated in the Championship and the FA Cup, and was the first woman to be fourth official in a Premier League game.
Allison, a former footballer and firefighter, was promoted to the Football League in 2020 and has been officiating in the Championship this season.