Rebecca Welch is set to make history as the Premier League's first female referee, while Sam Allison will break a 15-year barrier as the league's first black match official.

The FA and Premier League jointly announced that Welch will officiate the clash between Fulham and Burnley at Craven Cottage on December 23, marking her as the first woman to referee a top-division game in England.

Simultaneously, Allison will take charge of the Boxing Day match between Sheffield United and Luton Town, becoming the first black official to referee a Premier League game since Uriah Rennie in 2008.

Welch previously etched her name in history in April 2021 when she officiated a championship game and again in January 2022 when she commanded a men's FA Cup match.

The 40-year-old, who has been a regular Women's Super League (WSL) referee, also served as the fourth official in Manchester United's 1-0 victory against Fulham. Her impressive track record extends to appearances at the Women's World Cup earlier in the year.

Sam Allison, after several seasons in the lower divisions, will progress to the Premier League.

Having earned a promotion to the Championship at the start of the 2023–24 season, he will now temporarily step up to the Premier League, breaking new ground as a black match official in the league after a 15-year gap.

and Sam Allison

PGMOL head of referees Howard Webb said: "They are both part of the PGMOL development group, which fast-tracks talented officials through the pathway," Webb told Sky Sports.

"We have already seen three officials from the group take charge of their first Premier League games and now we have numbers four and five and it shows the value of that work.

"We have not seen a female take charge of a Premier League game before so it's significant, and Samisg the first Black official with a whistle in the Premier League since Uriah Rennie. It demonstrates that people can make it through the pathway from groups that are not traditionally well represented.

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), overseen by former referee Howard Webb, is tasked with officiating games in English professional football.

Under Webb's leadership, the organisation has been actively working to enhance diversity among officials in the top division and all FA tournaments

The upcoming festive period holds significance for the duo, Rebecca Welch and Sam Allison, as they are set to officiate crucial matches around Christmas and New Year.

heir appointments mark a pivotal moment, reflecting the ongoing efforts to broaden representation in football officiating. As the season unfolds, both officials may find more opportunities to contribute and make further strides in their careers.