Sian Massey-Ellis retires 15 years after Richard Keys and Andy Gray sexism controversy

Sian Massey-Ellis has called time on her groundbreaking refereeing career after more than 150 Premier League appearances - 15 years after finding herself at the centre of the Richard Keys and Andy Gray sexism controversy.

The 40-year-old has announced she is stepping away from officiating and will begin a new position with the Football Association in September.

Massey-Ellis will become the FA's Senior Manager - Women Referees, focusing on supporting and developing female officials as the next generation attempts to follow in her footsteps.

Her retirement brings an end to a trailblazing career which saw Massey-Ellis repeatedly break new ground for women in English football.

She became only the second female assistant referee to operate in the Premier League after being promoted to the top flight in 2010.

Massey-Ellis later became the first Englishwoman to officiate in a men's European fixture and, in 2021, became the first woman involved in the officiating team for a men's FA Cup final when she served as assistant VAR.

She was also involved in five Women's FA Cup finals and represented England at four Women's European Championships, as well as the 2019 and 2023 Women's World Cups.

"Although I am stepping away from the touchline, I am not stepping away from football," Massey-Ellis said.

"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."

Massey-Ellis' career also included challenging moments away from the pitch.

In January 2011, she found herself at the centre of a sexism controversy after Sky Sports presenters Richard Keys and Andy Gray were recorded making disparaging off-air comments about female officials ahead of a Premier League match between Wolves and Liverpool.

Their remarks generated widespread criticism after becoming public.

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Gray was subsequently dismissed by Sky after further evidence emerged of what the broadcaster described as "unacceptable and offensive behaviour", while Keys later resigned.

Massey-Ellis continued her rise through English football and established herself as one of the country's most prominent officials.

Her contribution to the sport was recognised when she received an MBE in the 2017 New Year Honours for services to football.

"While there have been unforgettable highs and difficult moments, what I will treasure most are the people and experiences that have defined my journey," Massey-Ellis said.

She will now use her extensive experience to help improve opportunities and pathways for female officials through her senior position at the FA.

"I'm excited by the opportunity to help support, develop and inspire the next generation of match officials, giving something back to a sport that has done so much for me," she added.

"It has been the greatest honour to serve the game I love and represent English officiating."

Massey-Ellis concluded her farewell by reflecting on a career which took her from aspiring referee to some of the biggest matches in world football.

"To the young girl who simply loved refereeing and dreamed of reaching the very top - we did it," she concluded.

"Thank you, football."