Women's Super League clubs have agreed to a substantial funding increase for match officials, though the introduction of full-time referees in the English top tier is anticipated to be delayed until 2029.
The additional investment, decided at the latest WSL Football board meeting, is understood to be directed towards improving officials' education, analysis, and physical performance. While an earlier transition to full-time WSL referees is not being ruled out by parties involved, the 2029-30 season has been agreed for when officials will be employed by Pro Ref, the official body for match officials in English professional football.
Calls for fully professional WSL match officials have intensified since the English women's top tier saw players become full-time in 2018-19, and following the independent WSL Football's takeover of the top two divisions in 2024. A three-year funding plan to transition to full-time match officials for the 2029-30 campaign was presented to WSL and WSL 2 clubs this month. The plan was voted on and approved, despite an initial mixed response from some clubs who had hoped for an earlier implementation.
One senior WSL club executive expressed disappointment that the move was three seasons away, despite welcoming a specific timeframe. Another senior source from a WSL club welcomed the commitment to funding the necessary education and training to enhance officiating quality. Many current WSL officials hold other full-time or part-time jobs.