Featured Image Credit: SSC Sports
Topics: Premier League, Michael Oliver, Saudi Arabia, Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo
Josh Lawless
Topics: Premier League, Michael Oliver, Saudi Arabia, Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo
Michael Oliver might just have made fellow Premier League referees jealous after collecting a huge pay packet for officiating Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr against Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
Oliver refereed his first top-flight game in 2010 at the age of 25 years and 182 days, becoming the youngest referee in the history of the division.
He's been a FIFA listed official since 2012 and a member of the UEFA elite referees group - taking charge of the 2022 UEFA Super Cup to add to the four domestic cup finals he has officiated.
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But in a surprise switch, Oliver was not refereeing any Champions League games this week and was instead in the Middle East for a huge clash.
He was the man in the middle for Al Hilal's 2-0 win over managerless Al Nassr and booked Ronaldo for an MMA style takedown on an opponent.
Former Manchester United and Watford striker Odion Ighalo scored a brace at the King Fahd International Stadium.
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According to the Daily Mail, Oliver was paid around £3000 for the appearance - which is more than double he would typically earn refereeing in the Premier League.
As an added perk, the 38-year-old also had business class flights to and from Riyadh included in the arrangement.
It follows on from controversial La Liga referee Mateu Lahoz taking charge of a couple of games in Saudi Arabia and the practice is expected to continue with further Premier League officials.
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Howard Webb, now head of the PGMOL, was previously head of referees in Saudi and is said to be supportive of the move.
While the FA were hesitant in the past, he believes it is beneficial for referees to gain valuable experience and wants to develop ties with other associations.
Oliver's next refereeing task comes at Anfield on Saturday, when Liverpool host struggling Nottingham Forest.