Natalie Aspinall to become Premier League's second female official

Natalie Aspinall is among four officials to have been promoted to the Premier League for the 2022/23 campaign, becoming just the second female assistant referee in the division alongside Sian Massey-Ellis.

Experienced trio Mike Dean, Jonathan Moss and Martin Atkinson retired at the end of the season, creating space for fresh blood in the top-flight ranks.

Aspinall, who has been running the line in the EFL since 2016, joins fellow assistant referees Nick Granhalgh and Steve Meredith in being promoted to the Premier League. Tom Bramall has been elevated as a main official having refereed in the EFL since 2014.

On the announcement, managing director of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) Mike Riley said: "We're delighted to welcome Tom, Natalie, Nick and Steve into Select Group One for the 2022-23 season.

"This is a fully deserved and great opportunity for Tom, who has performed very well as he's progressed through the ranks over recent years and will now officiate at the top level of our game.

"Natalie, Nick and Steve are experienced assistant referees and have earned their place at this level. Natalie, who is a fantastic ambassador for English refereeing on the international stage, is the third female assistant referee to work in the Premier League and will work alongside her now Select Group One colleague Sian Massey-Ellis.

"Their promotions are recognition for not only their dedication and commitment but also their consistently-high standard of performances."

"We’re delighted to welcome Tom, Natalie, Nick and Steve into Select Group 1 for the 2022-23 season."