NEWS
Referee Anthony Taylor Steps Down
English World Cup referee Anthony Taylor ends his career after over 800 matches and 20 years. His last World Cup game was also Cristiano Ronaldo's last.
English referee Anthony Taylor, who officiated at the 2026 World Cup, announced his retirement on Tuesday.
The 47-year-old Taylor officiated over 800 matches in the English Premier League, domestic cup competitions, European club competitions, and major international tournaments.
His final match was the World Cup round of 16 on July 6, when eventual champions Spain eliminated Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal with a 1-0 victory.
"To officiate at the highest level has been an immense privilege, but the pressure is intense and the scrutiny is constant," Taylor said in a statement. "Now is the right time to step aside and look forward to transitioning into the next chapter of my career."
A Look at His Career
Taylor became a professional referee in 2006 and officiated 432 Premier League matches.
He also refereed the 2017 and 2020 FA Cup finals, as well as the 2015 League Cup final, and was on FIFA's international list for 14 years.
Europa League Final Controversy
After Roma lost the 2023 Europa League final to Sevilla in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw, losing coach José Mourinho lashed out at referee Taylor in his post-match press conference.
Mourinho later also verbally abused him at the stadium, calling Taylor a "disgrace" with a string of expletives.
Taylor and his family subsequently had to be escorted by security at Budapest airport after angry Roma fans verbally abused him and threw a chair in his direction.
