Football NewsDaily Mail FootballUnverified source· 21 Jul 2026
Referee Anthony Taylor Retires at 47 After World Cup
The English official bowed out after 831 matches over two decades.
A. Taylor
coach
Age
47
Matches officiated
831
Premier League matches
432
Last match
Spain 1-0 Portugal, World Cup last-16
What happened. Anthony Taylor announced his retirement from refereeing, ending his career after officiating at the 2026 World Cup.
- Officiated 2024 Champions League final, FA Cup finals in 2017 and 2020.
- Worked 2022 World Cup and 2020/2024 European Championships.
- Cited intense pressure and constant scrutiny as reasons for retiring.
“Officiating at the elite level has been an immense privilege, but the pressure is intense and the scrutiny is constant.”
— Anthony Taylor
Taylor transitions to the next chapter of his career after two decades.
In this story
More to read
BBC Sport
Retired Taylor named head of refereeing in Turkey
Mirror Football
'Anthony Taylor quitting is a huge pity - but grassroots referees will quit unless action is taken'
Mirror Football
Anthony Taylor's biggest controversies, huge career earnings and real reason for quitting
Sky Sports
Premier League referee Taylor retires with immediate effect
