Elite Female Referee Claims Fear of Speaking Out Against PGMOL

An experienced women's football referee has stated that she feared repercussions from raising concerns with the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) when doing her job. Lisa Benn, a prominent referee, made these claims during an ongoing employment tribunal hearing in London.

Speaking at the tribunal, the 34-year-old revealed that Steve Child, a PGMOL coach and former Premier League assistant referee, had allegedly "forcefully pushed" her during an incident. According to Benn, following her complaint about Child's conduct, PGMOL initiated an investigation but decided the behaviour did not warrant disciplinary action. However, she alleges this decision subsequently disadvantaged her career progression.

Benn stated that PGMOL did not recommend her for the prestigious Fifa international referee list as enthusiastically as before she lodged her complaint. This reportedly resulted in her being ranked sixth in PGMOL's nominations, missing out on the top five spots needed for Fifa eligibility. She believes her position dropped from fifth specifically because she was dealing with the fallout from the complaint. She further alleged that key figures, including PGMOL chief refereeing officer Howard Webb and his wife, Bibi Steinhaus-Webb (then head of women's referees), suggested she would face no penalty for raising the issue.

The tribunal also heard that Benn claims she was overlooked for Women's Super League refereeing assignments, potentially costing her a performance bonus linked to officiating a required number of matches. She alleges this exclusion was noted by her coach, John Farries, who stated it was "highly unusual".

Benn described a climate of fear, claiming she and other female referees hesitated to flag problems due to concerns about job security and contract implications. She explicitly linked this fear to the atmosphere she experienced post-complaint, stating: "There is a fear in the women's group to raise grievances, to raise concerns, because of the fear of consequences." She added that her current unemployment status, resulting from the complaint process, was ironic given the alleged support she received from PGMOL leadership.

Benn initially believed appealing PGMOL's decision was sufficient, but she was informed she needed to formally request an appeal. She also acknowledged not responding to several emails from Steinhaus-Webb seeking clarification or support arrangements.

The tribunal proceedings continue.

About Lisa Benn

Lisa Benn, 34, is an elite referee known for her appointments at major tournaments, including the 2022 UEFA European Championship ('Euros').

The Alleged Incident

Benn alleges an incident involving Steve Child occurred where he allegedly "forcefully pushed" her. The specific nature of the push and the context leading up to it were detailed during her testimony.

PGMOL's Role

PGMOL is the governing body responsible for overseeing, training, and appointing professional football referees and match officials in England. Following Benn's complaint, they conducted an investigation.

Consequences Benn Claims

• Less enthusiastic recommendation for the Fifa international referee list.

• Missing out on WSL refereeing opportunities.

• Alleged exclusion from potential bonus payments.

• Subsequent change in employment status (unemployed by PGMOL).

Tribunal Testimony

Benn detailed her traumatic reaction to the incident, contacting her coach, John Farries, later the same day. She described being "distraught" and unable to speak properly. Farries corroborated her account. Benn expressed "naive" confusion about the formal complaint process and the lack of support offered by PGMOL. The tribunal continues its deliberations