Premier League referee Anthony Taylor retired with immediate effect on 21 July 2026, concluding a career that spanned more than two decades and 831 matches across all levels of the game. Taylor, who cited intense pressure and constant scrutiny in his decision, announced his departure through the Premier League's official channels.
Taylor officiated his final match on 6 July, taking charge of Spain's 1-0 victory over Portugal in the World Cup round of 16 in the United States. Over 16 top-flight seasons he handled 432 Premier League fixtures and every major domestic cup final, alongside 163 international matches during a 14-year stint on the FIFA list that included appearances at the 2022 and 2026 World Cups and Euro 2020 and 2024.
His career was not without controversy. Jose Mourinho received a four-match ban after confronting Taylor in a car park following the 2023 Europa League final, an incident that also saw the referee verbally abused by Roma fans at Budapest Airport.