Howard Webb Rejects Claims of Referee Demotion After Complaint

Howard Webb, the head of referees and a pivotal figure in English football, firmly denies allegations that an elite match official lost her international role after reporting an incident where a male coach allegedly manhandled her. The controversy has sparked renewed debate about gender equality within football officiating, especially concerning the treatment and progression of female referees at the highest levels.

Howard Webb Responds to Allegations Involving Elite Match Official

Howard Webb, chief of Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), addressed the employment tribunal in London after Lisa Benn, a respected referee, alleged she was physically and professionally undermined. Benn, 34, claimed that during a March 2023 training tournament, PGMOL coach Steve Child forcefully pushed her and later demonstrated a pattern of behavior that he would not have exhibited toward male referees.

Benn recounted that Child instructed a fourth official to “kill the game,” prompting her to object and express frustration. She testified, “I am a trusted referee, I referee at the highest level—this was an under-19s game. He felt superior, he felt like he could come on and tell me how to referee, he manhandled me onto the field of play—he would never have done that to a male referee.” Benn further asserted that she had witnessed similar treatment of other female referees but not their male counterparts.

PGMOL Investigation and Fallout

Following Benn’s complaint, PGMOL conducted an internal investigation but concluded Child’s actions did not warrant disciplinary action. Benn alleges that after raising her concern, she was no longer recommended as strongly by PGMOL and subsequently lost her spot on FIFA’s international list of officials. She believes her demotion is connected to her willingness to challenge inappropriate conduct.

Steve Child and Howard Webb Defend Their Actions

Steve Child, the referee coach at the center of the allegations, denied any wrongdoing in his tribunal statement. He insisted, “100 percent I did not grab her,” explaining that if there was any physical contact, it was no more than a guiding gesture. Child also refuted suggestions that his behavior was motivated by Benn’s gender, emphasizing that similar guidance would be provided to any official when necessary.

Webb echoed Child’s defense, stating that Benn’s ranking drop—from fifth to sixth on FIFA’s officials list—was purely performance-based. He highlighted the highly competitive environment among referees, especially as the women’s game continues to expand. “Compared to the other officials in this ranking, she was correctly placed sixth, based on the performance factors listed and the holistic view we’ve gone through,” Webb explained. He stressed that the decision was made with integrity and based on performance metrics, not as retaliation for whistleblowing.

Supporting Female Referees and Ensuring Fairness

Throughout the tribunal, Webb reiterated the importance of listening to officials’ concerns. “Of course, we want to know what is on the minds of our officials and for them to speak to us openly and confidently. We want our officials out on the field and performing,” he said. Webb also pointed out that PGMOL had advocated for FIFA to accept a sixth official due to the growth of the women’s game—a move that reflects the organization’s commitment to expanding opportunities.

Gender Equality in Football Officiating: A Continuing Debate

The ongoing hearing brings to light critical questions about gender dynamics in football officiating. While PGMOL and Webb maintain that performance, not gender or complaints, determines rankings, Benn’s experience has highlighted perceived disparities in how female officials are treated compared to their male colleagues.

Critics argue that even with official policies in place, subtle biases and cultural issues can impact career progression for women in football. Benn’s case demonstrates the complexities of addressing gender-related grievances in a male-dominated environment, where speaking out may carry perceived risks.

Looking Ahead: The Importance of Transparency

As the tribunal continues, the football community is watching closely. Calls for greater transparency and clear mechanisms for handling complaints are growing louder. Ensuring that all match officials—regardless of gender—are treated fairly and have the confidence to raise concerns without fear of reprisal remains a top priority for the sport.

For more updates on this story and all the latest developments in football, visit for more news.

Opinion: The Need for Consistent Standards

This case is a stark reminder that football’s progress on diversity and inclusion must be matched by unwavering standards of fairness and accountability. While performance should always be the key criterion for advancement, organizations like PGMOL must ensure that officials feel empowered to raise their voices. Only then can trust and true equality flourish within the beautiful game.