SerpApi.Org
Anthony Taylor has called time on one of English football's most decorated refereeing careers, retiring after more than two decades at the elite level just weeks after an unusual World Cup incident saw one of his VAR reviews accidentally broadcast live to millions of viewers.
The 47-year-old announced his retirement following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing the curtain down on a career spanning 831 matches across domestic and international football.
His final assignment came in Spain's dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over Portugal in the Round of 16, with Mikel Merino scoring a stoppage-time winner on the way to Spain eventually lifting the trophy. It comes as Argentina committed one final unsportsmanlike act during Spain's medal ceremony.
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Taylor's farewell comes less than a month after he found himself at the center of an unprecedented broadcasting blunder during Senegal's group-stage clash with Iraq.
During a VAR review early in the match, television viewers were able to hear Taylor's discussion with video officials after FIFA positioned a broadcast camera next to the pitchside review monitor, inadvertently capturing the referee's conversations.
The incident occurred after Iraqi defender Rebin Sulaka was initially shown a yellow card for hauling down Sadio Mane as the Senegal forward raced through on goal.
While reviewing the footage, Taylor could be heard working through the decision with his VAR colleagues, asking whether another defender could have reached the ball before Mane's shot.
Taylor said, "There's a player on the far side who is going to get to the ball? Play it for me. So the next touch with the attacker, one touch forward and he shoots on goal, yes? The player on the far side will not get to the ball before he shoots."
Then announcing over the PA to confirm the decision, he said: "After review, the Iraq number two performs a deliberate holding offense and denies a clear goalscoring opportunity. No covering defenders, therefore my final decision is red card."
Although FIFA never intended for the exchange to be aired, the accidental broadcast gave fans a rare insight into the communication process between referees and the VAR room during a high-pressure World Cup match.
Taylor's retirement, however, had been planned long before that incident. According to former Premier League referee Graham Scott, Taylor informed colleagues and officials two years ago that he intended to step away after the 2026 World Cup.
In a statement released by Pro Ref, the English refereeing body formerly known as PGMOL, Taylor admitted the relentless demands of officiating had influenced his decision.
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"Officiating at the elite level has been an immense privilege, but the pressure is intense and the scrutiny is constant," Taylor said. "The time is now right to step aside and look forward to transitioning to the next chapter of my career."
Taylor spent 16 seasons officiating in the Premier League, overseeing 432 matches while also refereeing the 2024 UEFA Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid.
He handled two FA Cup finals, the 2015 League Cup final, the 2018 Championship play-off final and represented England at both the 2022 and 2026 World Cups, as well as Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.
It comes after FOX reporter Jenny Taft was slammed for her behavior in an interview with Trump before the World Cup final.
