Long-serving Premier League referee Anthony Taylor has announced his retirement from officiating after 16 years in England’s top flight.
The 47-year-old steps away from the game after a career spanning 831 matches across domestic, European and international competitions. His final appearance was the 2026 World Cup last-16 clash between Portugal and eventual champions Spain.
Taylor, who spent 14 years on the FIFA international list, officiated 432 Premier League matches and handled every major domestic cup final, including two FA Cup finals and League Cup finals.
He also represented England at two World Cups, in 2022 and 2026 as well as two European Championships and two Club World Cups.
In a statement announcing his decision, Taylor said the demands of elite-level officiating had become increasingly intense, with constant pressure and scrutiny influencing his choice to step aside.
“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 faced heavy criticism during his career, including an incident in 2023 when he was confronted by Roma supporters at Budapest Airport after their Europa League final defeat to Sevilla.
He previously revealed that his family had stopped attending matches he officiated because of the abuse directed at referees, while also questioning the expectation of perfection placed on officials.
Taylor retires as one of the most experienced referees in English football history, having also set a Premier League record for issuing 14 yellow cards in a single match.
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