Cheryl Foster: Former Wales striker to referee at Women's Euro 2022

Cheryl Foster will become the first Welsh woman to referee at a major tournament when she officiates at this summer's Women's Euro 2022.

The 41-year-old is a former Liverpool striker who won 63 caps for Wales between 1997 and 2011.

Foster started her refereeing career in 2013 and was promoted to Uefa's elite list in 2020.

"From the age of 15 up to now, it's been a long journey, tough at times, but I can't wait," Foster said.

"It's [going to be] an incredible experience and I am looking forward to it.

"I am proud to have represented Wales as a footballer of course - 63 caps in that era was tough.

"But to continue to be able to represent my country through refereeing is just as important to me. It's going to be a proud moment for the refereeing community in Wales and also for my friends and family who have been through this long journey with me."

Foster will be the first Welsh referee at a major tournament since Clive Thomas at the men's 1978 World Cup.

She was added to Fifa's international list of referees in 2015 and became the first woman to referee a game in the Cymru Premier - Wales' top men's division - in 2018.

As Wales have failed to qualify for Euro 2022, Foster will be her country's only representative in the competition and one of two British referees, alongside England's Rebecca Welch.

"We have not had many female referees through the system so I hope this inspires the next generation of officials in Wales, male and female, but predominantly female of course," Foster added.

"I am glad to have this opportunity to fly the flag for my country."

Video assistant referees are also being deployed for the first time at all matches in a Women's European Championship.

The tournament, hosted in England, kicks off on 6 July.

Uefa's chief refereeing officer, Roberto Rosetti, said: "We have had some tough decisions to make on which referees will go to the Women's Euro, because we now have a growing group of high-calibre officials from which to choose.

"Having assessed the referees at our preparation courses, and after following their performances in Uefa competitions, we know that the selected officials have all it takes to deliver confident and uniform decision-making at the final tournament."

Foster subsequently was appointed referee for the semi-final between Germany and France having taken charge of two group games.