Premier League referee Anthony Taylor has announced his retirement following the conclusion of the World Cup.
Taylor, 47, has called time on his career after over two decades and 831 matches.
His final game was the World Cup last-16 fixture between Spain and Portugal at this summer’s tournament, which eventual champions Spain won 1-0 courtesy of a stoppage-time Mikel Merino winner.
Taylor officiated in the Premier League for 16 seasons, taking charge of 432 top-flight games, in addition to the 2024 Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid.
“Officiating at the elite level has been an immense privilege, but the pressure is intense and the scrutiny is constant,” Taylor said in a statement. “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 (Beswick) and Adam (Nunn), 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.”
Taylor officiated at two World Cups, this summer and in Qatar in 2022, in addition to the European Championships in 2020 and 2024.
He also took charge of the FA Cup final in 2017 and 2020, the 2015 League Cup final and the 2018 Championship play-off final.
Howard Webb, chief refereeing officer at Pro Ref, English football’s professional refereeing body, said of Taylor: “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.”
A decisive official and generous colleague
Analysis from former Premier League referee Graham Scott
Anthony Taylor had been planning this moment for some time, openly telling colleagues and his employers two years ago that he would retire after this World Cup.
He has always been decisive — on and off the pitch — so I am not surprised he has been true to his word.
My first match with Taylor was as his assistant on a tempestuous game between Leicester City and Watford in 2007 that produced 11 yellow cards and a mass brawl.
Such ill-discipline was rare in his matches. As a former prison officer, he knew how to keep order, quell riotous behaviour and command respect, while learning over time to resist the temptation to wade in when two players squared up.
Taylor’s approach to his preparation never changed, with every match afforded the greatest respect. It’s a shame his respect for everyone in the game was not matched by Jose Mourinho, who harangued him in a car park after an unruly Europa League final in 2023.
Taylor was a generous colleague, always sent an encouraging message on match days, looked after the newbies and was hugely supportive when fourth official, which is not true of all referees, unfortunately.
His status in the group allowed him to speak truth to power, and his influence will be missed at referee training camps just as much as on the field.
