WSL clubs approve funding boost but no full-time referees until 2029
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 8, 2026, 9:34 AM
Last updated Oct 8, 2026

Women’s Super League clubs have agreed to a significant funding increase for match officials, as confirmed at a recent board meeting. The additional investment will enhance officials’ education, analysis, and physical performance. Despite this funding boost, the transition to fully professional referees in the league is set to be delayed until 2029, amid growing calls for professional match officials in women's soccer.
- •Women’s Super League clubs agree on increased funding for officials
- •Investment focuses on education and performance enhancement
- •Full-time referees not expected until 2029
- •Calls for professional officials have intensified recently
- 9:34 AMThe Guardian Sport — Women’s Super League faces wait until 2029 for full-time referees despite funding boost
"Extra investment agreed at latest WSL board meeting Calls for fully professional match officials have grown Women’s Super League clubs have agreed to a major funding increase for match officials but the wait for full-time referees in the English top tier is set to continue until 2029, the Guardian has learned. The extra investment, decided at the latest WSL Football board meeting, will focus on enhancing officials’ education, analysis and physical performance, it is understood. Continue reading...
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