Premier League referee Anthony Taylor has announced his retirement following the conclusion of the 2026 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.