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Welch is first female referee to be name in EFL 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.

Her elevation comes as Australian Jarred Gillett prepares to become the first overseas referee to take charge of a Premier League fixture after being added to the list of top-flight officials.

Rebecca Welch has become the first female referee to be added to the EFL's National Group list

Rebecca Welch has become the first female referee to be added to the EFL's National Group list

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