Howard Webb Rejects Claims of Referee Demotion Over Complaint

Howard Webb has firmly denied allegations that an elite match official was removed from FIFA’s international referees list after reporting that a male coach “manhandled” her.

Howard Webb Addresses Referee Demotion Controversy

Howard Webb, the head of referees in England, is at the center of a high-profile employment tribunal following claims from former international official Lisa Benn. Benn alleges that she lost her coveted position after accusing assistant referee coach Steve Child of physically and verbally intimidating her during a Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) event in March 2023.

Referee’s Account: Allegations of Intimidation and Discrimination

According to Benn, the incident occurred during a training tournament focused on VAR technology. She claims Child “forcefully pushed” her onto the field after she resisted his instructions during an under-19s match. Benn told the tribunal that Child’s behavior was not only aggressive but also discriminatory, stating, “He would never have done that to a male referee.” She further alleged a pattern of similar conduct toward other female referees.

PGMOL’s Response and Investigation

PGMOL conducted an internal investigation but concluded that Child’s actions did not warrant disciplinary measures. Benn argued that after submitting her grievance, the organization’s support for her waned, resulting in her falling from fifth to sixth in the ranking for FIFA’s women’s international officials—a crucial position as only the top five are typically selected.

Coach Steve Child Refutes the Manhandling Claims

In his statement to the tribunal, Steve Child categorically denied any inappropriate physical contact, insisting that if anything, it was merely a “guiding arm.” He disputed claims of intimidation and rejected any suggestion that his actions were motivated by gender. Child also dismissed allegations of further confrontational remarks after a heated game incident later that year.

Howard Webb’s Testimony and the FIFA Referee List

Webb, appearing before the tribunal, emphasized that Benn’s ranking was determined solely by performance metrics and peer comparison. He stated, “It was our honestly held belief that she would be accepted [onto the FIFA list].” Webb explained that the pool of qualified referees in the country is highly competitive, and each candidate’s position is closely evaluated based on technical and holistic criteria.

He added, “We want our officials to express concerns openly and feel confident in communicating with us. This is an extremely competitive field, and while we advocated for a sixth official, the final selection was beyond our control.”

Wider Impact: Gender Equality and Professional Standards

The case has reignited debate over gender equality and workplace conduct within elite football officiating. Benn’s testimony draws attention to the challenges faced by female referees and the importance of transparent grievance processes in sports organizations.

Webb reiterated PGMOL’s commitment to fairness, stating, “We think the growth of the women’s game is pretty incredible, and it’s important to meet the increased demand with the highest standards.”

The Ongoing Tribunal and Future Implications

As the tribunal continues, the football community will be watching closely. The outcome could influence not just individual careers but also the broader approach to handling complaints and professional development in refereeing. For more updates and the latest football developments, visit for more news.

Opinion: Transparency and Accountability Are Essential

This case underscores the necessity for clear, unbiased systems to handle grievances in football. While Webb’s defense highlights the competitive nature of officiating, it is vital that all referees—regardless of gender—feel protected and respected. Building trust in the process benefits both referees and the integrity of the sport.