Premier League and FIFA referee Anthony Taylor has announced he is retiring from elite officiating. Multiple reports say the 47-year-old ends a long career spanning more than two decades, including 16 years in England’s top flight. The outlets also agree he has officiated a large number of matches, with figures reported that include a total of 831 matches and 668 in the professional game in England.
Several sources tie the timing of his retirement to the conclusion of his final assignment at the FIFA World Cup, describing his last match as the World Cup last-16 tie between Portugal and Spain in the United States. Other coverage characterizes his step away as standing down after a final World Cup appointment.
Reporting across outlets also highlights his extensive international experience. One account notes he spent 14 years on FIFA’s international referees list and officiated at tournaments including the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups, UEFA Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, and FIFA Club World Cups in 2022 and 2025. Overall, the coverage presents his retirement as a formal conclusion to a senior domestic and international refereeing career.
