Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb is set to give evidence in a landmark employment tribunal next week, defending the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) against serious allegations from former Women's Super League referee Lisa Benn.
The Core Allegations and Court Appearance
The 34-year-old official has brought an unfair dismissal case against English football's refereeing body, claiming her career was effectively ruined after being removed from the FIFA list. Benn alleges that PGMOL coach and former assistant referee Steve Child physically manhandled and threatened her during a men's tournament in 2023 designed to give WSL referees VAR experience.
Despite these serious claims, a PGMOL investigation conducted in 2023 concluded that Child's behaviour did not meet the threshold for disciplinary action. The case is listed in the employment court on Monday, where Webb is expected to give evidence on behalf of the organization later in the proceedings.
Career and Financial Fallout
Benn argues she lost her place on the FIFA list of referees and her £20,000 annual salary from the PGMOL, despite what she says were assurances from both Webb and his wife, Bibi Steinhaus-Webb. At the time, Steinhaus-Webb served as head of women's referees at PGMOL and now holds the position of FIFA's head of women's refereeing.
The former official had been performing at an elite level, ranking fifth among top officials in the women's top-flight and being nominated by the Football Association based on her performance over the previous two years. The FA submitted six names to FIFA in December 2023, with Benn positioned sixth on their list.
Controversy Over FIFA List Exclusion
Documents reportedly reveal that Webb, who sat on the FA's refereeing committee, had been involved in the decision regarding FIFA nominations as early as August 2023. Benn was not selected for one of the five available places on FIFA's list for English referees, despite her high ranking.
This exclusion had significant professional and financial consequences. Without the FIFA role, Benn lost her PGMOL salary that enabled her to take time off from her job with Sussex County FA. She became self-employed at the beginning of 2024, relying solely on match fees for income.
Benn's career credentials are substantial. She had previously taken charge of WSL matches and games in the National League South, England's sixth tier. She was ranked top among referees in 2021-22 and officiated the FA Women's League Cup match between Chelsea and Manchester City.
According to reports, Steinhaus-Webb told Benn she could regain her nomination the following year as the organization embarked on a "more holistic" approach not necessarily influenced by ranking. However, by the end of the 2023-24 season, Benn finished second in the rankings but was still not included among the five nominees.
Her opportunities diminished significantly, with the official taking charge of just 11 games last season and none in the current campaign, which is eight games in. The PGMOL maintains its position, stating it denies all of Benn's claims in their entirety.
If successful in her claim, Benn could receive compensation for multiple grounds including direct discrimination, harassment, victimisation, unfair dismissal, wrongful dismissal and unlawful deduction of wages.
