Premier League Referee Anthony Taylor Announces Retirement After 831 Matches
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.
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Anthony Taylor Retires After Illustrious Refereeing Career
Premier League referee Anthony Taylor has announced his retirement from professional officiating following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing an end to a distinguished career spanning more than two decades.
The 47-year-old bows out after officiating 831 matches across domestic and international competitions. His final assignment came in the Round of 16 clash between Spain and Portugal at the World Cup, where eventual champions Spain secured a dramatic 1-0 victory through Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time winner.
Taylor spent 16 seasons as a Premier League referee, overseeing 432 top-flight matches. During his career, he officiated some of football’s biggest fixtures, including the 2024 UEFA Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid.
In a statement announcing his retirement, Taylor described officiating at the highest level as a privilege while acknowledging the demands of the profession.
“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.”
He also expressed appreciation to his assistants, Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn, his fellow match officials, and everyone associated with the game. Taylor reserved special thanks for his family and friends for their unwavering support throughout his career.
Beyond the Premier League, Taylor represented England at two FIFA World Cups—in Qatar 2022 and the 2026 tournament—as well as UEFA Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.
His impressive résumé also includes officiating the FA Cup finals in 2017 and 2020, the 2015 League Cup final, and the 2018 EFL Championship play-off final.
Paying tribute to Taylor, Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) chief refereeing officer Howard Webb hailed him as one of England’s finest officials.
“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. Beyond his achievements on the pitch, his professionalism and commitment to supporting colleagues and the next generation of referees have made him a true role model.”
Taylor’s retirement marks the end of an era for English refereeing, closing the chapter on one of the most accomplis
hed officiating careers in modern football.