Cheryl Foster awarded MBE for services to Welsh Football

Cheryl Foster has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to Welsh Football. 

Foster is a former Cymru international player and was capped 63 times and scored nine goals during her playing career. 

Foster, who comes from Llandudno, has officiated at the highest level of both men’s and women’s domestic football in Wales and earned her FIFA badge in 2015 and was promoted to the UEFA Elite List of Referees in the 2020/21 season. 

In August 2018 she became the first woman to referee a game in the JD Cymru Premier and in June 2022 took charge of the UEFA Women’s Champions League Final between FC Barcelona and VFL Wolfsburg. 

A testament to her abilities as a top class match official, Foster was appointed to other significant matches with highlights including a UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Semi-Final match between Germany and France; and the third-place play-off match between Sweden and Australia at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. 

On learning about her honour, Foster said: “I am so honoured and privileged to receive an MBE for my services to football in Wales.

“This recognition is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the incredible opportunities and support I have been so fortunate to receive from the FAW throughout my journey as a player and now as a referee.” 

Foster finished this current season by officiating the Bute Energy Welsh Cup Final between Cardiff City and Wrexham. The match official has also been an inspirational figure in attracting more people to consider refereeing and to get involved in the game.