Premier League and World Cup referee Anthony Taylor retires
Anthony Taylor has announced his retirement from refereeing with immediate effect. The decision brings to an end a 20-year career.
The announcement was made public on 21 July 2026 and confirms that Taylor, who has officiated in the Premier League and at the World Cup, will step away from the role straightaway. The notice closes out a professional refereeing span described as lasting two decades.
Across the last 20 years Taylor held appointments in England's top-flight and took charge at international tournaments, including the World Cup. The statement announcing his retirement emphasised that the change is effective immediately. No further particulars accompanied the initial notice.
Taylor’s career is recorded as spanning 20 years, during which he operated in both domestic and global competitions. The declaration on 21 July 2026 marks the formal end of that period. The immediate nature of the retirement was made clear in the announcement.
No additional information about reasons for the decision or future plans was provided alongside the declaration. The emphasis in the communication was on the instant effect of the retirement.
Anthony Taylor’s exit removes a long-serving referee from both Premier League and World Cup duty. The July 21, 2026 announcement finalises his departure from officiating with immediate effect.
