Veteran English referee Anthony Taylor has announced his retirement from top-level officiating after 16 years in the Premier League, bringing an illustrious career to a close following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 47-year-old bows out after officiating 831 matches across English domestic competitions, European tournaments and international football. His final assignment was the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash between Portugal and eventual champions Spain.
During his distinguished domestic career, Taylor took charge of 432 Premier League matches, more than any other referee in the 2025/26 season. He also officiated every major English domestic cup final, including the 2015 League Cup Final and the 2017 and 2020 FA Cup Finals.
Taylor spent 14 years on FIFA’s international referees list and represented England at both the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups.
Announcing his decision through the refereeing body Pro Ref (formerly PGMOL), Taylor cited the relentless demands of elite officiating.
“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 said.
Taylor’s career was not without controversy. In 2023, he and his family were confronted by angry Roma supporters at Budapest Airport after the club’s Europa League final defeat to Sevilla, following criticism from then-Roma manager José Mourinho
