Women’s Super League to wait until 2029 for full-time referees, with increased funding to support officials’ development

The Women Super League (WSL), the highest level of women's football in England, is set to receive additional investment in match officiating, with full-time referees expected to be introduced in 2029. Many WSL referees currently have other full-time or part-time roles.

The additional funding, agreed at a board meeting, will be used to upskill officials in the meantime. Specifically, it is expected to enhance their education, analysis and physical performance. It has been reported by The Guardian that during the board meeting, the league and the clubs discussed the ambition to have full-time officials as soon as possible, alongside the need to enhance standards and provisions.

With calls for fully professional WSL match officials increasing, it is possible that this time frame may be brought forward, but it is expected that these referees will officially be employed by Pro Ref, previously known as the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), around 2029-2030.

In 2021, it was reported that there were no immediate plans to introduce full-time referees to the top division women’s football. In the English men’s game, referees became full-time professionals in 2001 for the Premier League and English Football League. The WSL will also have representation on the Pro Ref board for the first time, giving the league a role in the organisation’s decision-making.  

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