Football

Anthony Taylor hangs up his whistle after two decades of elite refereeing

The veteran official reflects on a career that spanned World Cups, Premier League finals and the gratitude of a global football community

A career that spanned continents

Anthony Taylor brought down the final whistle on a 20‑year journey that took him from the English Premier League to the world’s biggest stages. Over 831 matches, he officiated everything from domestic cup finals to high‑profile international tournaments, leaving a mark that will be remembered by players, coaches and fans alike.

His last assignment was a last‑16 encounter at the 2022 World Cup between Portugal and Spain, a fixture that underscored his ability to manage the sport’s most intense moments. Across 16 Premier League seasons he oversaw 432 top‑flight games, while also presiding over FA Cup finals in 2017 and 2020 and a string of other prestigious domestic cup finals.

Taylor spent 14 years on FIFA’s international list, earning appointments at two World Cups, two European Championships and two Club World Cups. He also took charge of the 2020 UEFA Super Cup and the 2021 Nations League final, cementing his reputation as a trusted referee for the sport’s biggest occasions.

In a heartfelt statement, Taylor thanked his colleagues, family and friends for their unwavering support throughout his career. His gratitude was echoed by Howard Webb, who lauded Taylor’s professionalism and the lasting contributions he made to football’s global stage.

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