Veteran Referee Anthony Taylor Steps Down After Two Decades

WHO:

The Guardian - Anthony Taylor, a 47-year-old English referee.

AP News - José Mourinho, coach of Roma.

WHAT:

The Guardian - Anthony Taylor announced his retirement from elite refereeing after a career spanning more than two decades and 831 matches.

AP News - Taylor officiated over 800 matches in the English Premier League, domestic cups, European club competitions, and major internationals.

The Guardian - Taylor officiated 668 matches in the professional game in England and took charge of 432 Premier League matches.

The Guardian - His final appointment was the World Cup last-16 game between Portugal and Spain.

AP News - Taylor's final game was on July 6, when Spain eliminated Portugal 1-0.

The Guardian - Taylor officiated every major domestic cup final, including the FA Cup finals in 2017 and 2020, the 2015 League Cup final, the 2015 Community Shield, and the 2018 Championship playoff final.

The Guardian - Taylor officiated at two World Cups (2022 and 2026), two European Championships (2020 and 2024), and two Club World Cups (2022 and 2025).

The Guardian - He officiated 163 international matches, including the 2020 UEFA Super Cup, the 2021 Nations League final, the 2022 Club World Cup final, the 2023 Europa League final, and the 2024 Champions League semi-final.

WHERE:

The Guardian - The World Cup match between Portugal and Spain took place in the US.

AP News - The 2023 Europa League final was held in Budapest.

WHEN:

The Guardian - Taylor's career spanned more than two decades.

AP News - Taylor became a professional referee in 2006.

AP News - Taylor's final game was on July 6.

WHY:

The Guardian - Taylor stated, “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.”

HOW:

The Guardian - Taylor expressed gratitude to his assistants, refereeing colleagues, and family for their support throughout his career.

(UPDATED July 21, 2026 19:25 UTC)

Anthony Taylor, a 47-year-old English referee, has announced his retirement from elite officiating after an impressive career that spanned more than two decades and included 831 matches. His final game was on July 6, when he officiated the World Cup last-16 match between Spain and Portugal, which ended with Spain winning 1-0. Taylor expressed his gratitude to his assistants, refereeing colleagues, and family, stating that while officiating at the elite level has been a privilege, the time is right for him to transition to the next chapter of his career.