Anthony Taylor: The Premier League referee has announced his retirement

Anthony Taylor has announced his retirement from refereeing after 20 years of 831 matches.

The 47-year-old’s last game was Spain’s 1-0 win over Portugal in the last 16 of the World Cup on July 6.

A prison officer before becoming a professional referee, Taylor first entered the Football League roster at the start of the 2006-07 season.

Following promotion to the Premier League in 2010, he managed 432 top-flight games and presided over every domestic cup final.

“It’s a privilege to be nominated at the elite level, but the pressure is intense and the scrutiny is relentless,” Taylor said.

“It’s time to step aside and move on to the next phase of my career.”

The Wittenshaw-born referee, who has been on FIFA’s list of officials for 14 years, has also been selected for the 2022 World Cup, 2020 and 2024 Euros.

He has officiated a total of 163 international matches.

Taylor was shortlisted to referee the 2022 World Cup final, but was dropped due to political tensions between England and finalists Argentina.

Pro Ref Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb said: “Anthony has been an outstanding servant of the game for many years both domestically and internationally.

“He has repeatedly been tipped to referee the big games at this summer’s World Cup, including against Portugal and Spain.