Anthony Taylor to retire from refereeing (Image: Getty)
Anthony Taylor announced his retirement after 16 years in a lengthy statement following the World Cup. His last match was in the World Cup Round of 16 match between Spain and Portugal, where Mikel Merino scored the winning goal in stoppage time. The 47-year-old has managed 16 seasons in the Premier League, managing 432 games at the top level.
Reflecting on his career, Taylor said: “It has been an immense privilege to referee at an elite level, but the pressure is intense and the scrutiny is constant. Now is the right time to step back and move on to the next chapter of my career. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my two assistants, Gary and Adam, my fellow referees and everyone involved in the game for their support over the years. Most importantly, I would like to thank my family and friends for their unwavering support.” Please support me through the great sacrifices this career requires. ”
Taylor then posted a statement on LinkedIn, which read: “The final whistle has blown and we move on to the next chapter. After 16 unforgettable seasons of refereeing at the highest level of English and international football, I have decided that the time has come to retire from elite refereeing. “I retire with immense pride and gratitude. It has been the greatest honor to referee in the Premier League, FIFA and UEFA competitions, and in some of the biggest games in football.”Every game, every challenge, every experience has shaped not only my career, but the person I am.
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“Elite refereeing is about much more than 90 minutes on the pitch. It requires dedication, resilience, preparation and sacrifice, but it has given me memories, friendships and experiences that I will cherish forever. No referee succeeds alone. I have been incredibly lucky to work with so many outstanding colleagues throughout my career. Thank you everyone. It has been a privilege to share this journey with you.”
Taylor refereed the final World Cup match. (Image: Getty)
“A special thank you to Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn. I am extremely proud of what ‘Team Tales’ has achieved together and could not have asked for better colleagues and friends. Your professionalism, loyalty and unwavering support means more than words can express. It hasn’t always been easy. The pressure is intense and the scrutiny is constant, but it has been an immense privilege to be at the heart of the game I love. Football is built on passion and while decisions are always debated, it is an honor to contribute to the game with integrity and professionalism.
Taylor continued, “Most importantly, I would like to thank my family and friends. Your love, patience, and unwavering support have been my foundation throughout this journey. The sacrifices you have made with me will never be ignored and I am grateful to all of you. I would not have accomplished anything without it. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this amazing journey. It has been a once in a lifetime privilege and it is now time to take a step back and look forward to the next chapter of my career.”
Taylor has played 831 games over 20 years, refereeing the 2022 Qatar tournament and this summer’s two World Cups, as well as the 2020 and 2024 Euros.
In 2024, he also refereed the Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid. Domestically, he managed the 2017 and 2020 FA Cup finals, the 2015 League Cup final and the 2018 Championship play-off final.
Howard Webb, head of refereeing at Prolev, said: “Anthony has made an outstanding contribution to the game over the years, both on the domestic and international stage. He has been repeatedly trusted to officiate in some of the biggest games, including this summer’s World Cup match between Portugal and Spain, which finally capped off an outstanding career.”
“He has consistently demonstrated over time why he is one of the best and most successful officials English football has ever produced, but for many it is not just his achievements on the field that make him a role model. The professionalism and support he has shown to his colleagues and to the next generation of executives seeking to follow in his footsteps is a testament to his character. We thank him for his significant contribution to the game and wish him every success in the next chapter of his career.”
