EPL Referee Anthony Anthony Taylor Retires After 23 Years
Last update: July 21, 2026
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One of English football's most recognisable whistles has finally gone quiet. After more than two decades in the middle, Anthony Taylor is hanging up his boots.
After 23 years, 668 professional games and enough pressure to break most people, Anthony Taylor has called it a day.
The English referee has officially announced his retirement from officiating following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as confirmed by Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) on Tuesday.
According to cbinews.tv, Taylor's final assignment was a big one befitting his career — the Round of 16 clash between Portugal and Spain at the World Cup in the United States.
At 47, his numbers are staggering. Taylor officiated 432 Premier League games across 16 seasons and took charge of every major English final there is. We are talking the 2015 League Cup final, the 2015 Community Shield, both the 2017 and 2020 FA Cup finals, and the 2018 Championship play-off final.
His international CV is just as stacked. After 14 years on FIFA's international list and 163 international matches, he has been to two World Cups (2022 and 2026), two Euros (2020 and 2024), and two Club World Cups. He has also handled a UEFA Super Cup, a Nations League final, a Club World Cup final, a Europa League final and a Champions League semi-final.
In his own words, Taylor said it had been an immense privilege, but admitted the time felt right to step away.
“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.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to my two assistants, Gary and Adam, 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.”
PGMOL Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb was full of praise, describing him as one of the finest officials English football has ever produced.
“Anthony has been a fantastic servant to the game over many years, both domestically and on the international stage. He has been repeatedly trusted to officiate in the biggest games, including Portugal against Spain in this summer’s World Cup, which ultimately capped off an outstanding career,” Webb said.
He added that Taylor’s professionalism and support for the next generation made him a true role model.
A huge career, and a well-earned retirement.
Credit: cbinews.tv
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