Anthony Taylor retires from English football to lead Turkish refereeing

Anthony Taylor has retired from English football officiating after a 20-year career that included 668 professional matches and 163 international fixtures. The 47-year-old cited intense pressure and constant scrutiny as primary factors in his decision to step away from the Premier League spotlight.

Taylor described the mental toll of the role, noting that fear of mistakes and external opinions from media, managers, and spectators can lead to self-doubt and a loss of confidence on the field. He stated that the decision was based on his mind and body reaching a natural turning point.

Taylor will transition to a new role as the director of elite refereeing for the Turkish Football Federation. His appointment comes as Turkish football seeks to recover from a major betting scandal involving hundreds of match officials.