Massey promoted to the Select Group

Sian Massey, the assistant referee at the centre of the Sky Sports sexism row, has been promoted to the Select Group of match officials. The move means that the 25-year-old from Coventry will now run the line at more high profile games in the Premier League and the FA Cup on a regular basis. She has been a FIFA Assistant Referee since 2010 and was involved in the qualification stage for the FIFA Women's World Cup, as well as the UEFA Champions League.

Massey unwittingly found herself embroiled in a huge scandal last year which eventually saw Sky Sports pundit Andy Gray and presenter Richard Keys leave the company. Microphones picked up comments made by Keys and co-presenter Gray in what they thought was an off-air conversation before a match between Wolves Liverpool where Massey was acting as a lineswoman. In the now infamous recording, Keys and Gray appeared to agree that female officials "don't know the offside rule", with Keys adding: "I can guarantee you there'll be a big one today. Kenny (Dalglish) will go potty." After further allegations emerged, Gray was sacked from his position while Keys resigned.

The Daily Mail reports that Massey will continue to work the lines at matches, but will not referee them even though she is a qualified referee. Massey is currently on holiday but will start working on games next month.

Source: Eurosport