Premier League referee announces shock retirement as statement released

Premier League referee Anthony Taylor has announced his retirement just days after officiating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Taylor, 47, has decided to call time on his two-decade career, which spanned 831 matches and saw him become one of the most well-respected referees in the game.

The Mancunian recently took part in the World Cup, refereeing two matches: a group game between Senegal and Iraq before taking charge of Spain’s round of 16 victory over Portugal.

He may have also taken charge of a semi-final, but England’s progression to the final four meant he was unable to.

The former prison officer first became a professional referee back in 2006 when he was added to the Football League’s list before taking charge of his first Premier League game in 2010.

He would go on to officiate 432 English top-flight matches across 16 seasons, as well as oversee the FA Cup and Carabao Cup finals.

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Taylor also took charge of 163 international matches, as well as the 2024 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.

Anthony Taylor issues statement on retirement

A statement clarifying his decision to retire read: “Officiating at the elite level has been an immense privilege, but the pressure is intense and the scrutiny is constant. The time is now right to step aside and look forward to transitioning to the next chapter of my career.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to my two assistants Gary and Adam, my refereeing colleagues and everyone connected with the game for all their support over the years. Most importantly, I want to thank my family and friends for their unwavering support throughout the immense sacrifices this career has demanded.”

Howard Webb, Chief Refereeing Officer at Professional Game Referees (Pro Ref) also issued the following statement on Taylor’s retirement: “Anthony has been a fantastic servant to the game over many years, both domestically and on the international stage. He has been repeatedly trusted to officiate in the biggest games including Portugal against Spain in this summer’s World Cup which ultimately capped off an outstanding career.

“He’s consistently demonstrated over a sustained period why he is one of the best and most successful officials that English football has ever produced, but it’s not just his on-field achievements that see him as a role model to many. The professionalism he’s shown and the support for his colleagues and the next generation of officials looking to follow in his footsteps is testament to his character.

“We thank him for his immense contribution to the game and wish him every success in the next chapter of his career.”