English Premier League and World Cup referee Anthony Taylor has embarked on a new chapter in his career, taking up the role of director of elite refereeing with the Turkish Football Federation.
The appointment comes just weeks after the 47-year-old announced his retirement from officiating, concluding a distinguished 20-year career that saw him oversee 668 professional domestic matches and officiate at major tournaments including Euro 2020 and the 2022 and 2026 World Cups.
Trinity Chambers legal firm confirmed Taylor’s new role to the Press Association, with barrister Fraser Williamson acting on his behalf. In this significant post, Taylor is tasked with leading the strategic and technical development of elite refereeing within the Turkish Football Federation.
His mandate includes supporting the organisation’s ambition to further develop its match officials and strengthen its refereeing programme, aligning it with Uefa and Fifa standards.
This move follows a turbulent period for Turkish refereeing, which has recently grappled with a betting scandal that emerged last autumn, prompting a TFF investigation.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the challenge, Taylor stated he was "delighted" to be taking up the role.
Williamson added: "Anthony’s achievements within football speak for themselves, and this role presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to the continued development of elite refereeing in Turkey. I wish him every success in what I am sure will be a rewarding and successful chapter."
Last month, Taylor, who was promoted to the Premier League in 2010, reflected on his decision to retire from active officiating.
"Officiating at the elite level has been an immense privilege, but the pressure is intense and the scrutiny is constant. The time is now right to step aside and look forward to transitioning to the next chapter of my career,” he said.
His illustrious career earned him high praise, with Howard Webb, chief refereeing officer at Pro Ref, describing Taylor as "one of the best and most successful officials that English football has ever produced".
Notably, Uefa referees’ chief Roberto Rosetti lauded Taylor for his exemplary handling of Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest during a Euro 2020 match.
Rosetti commented: "Everyone recognised that Anthony was perfect. He managed this difficult moment in a great way. We are proud about his behaviour, we are proud about his cold blood.
“We recommended to the referees that safety is first, it is the most important target for us. The referees must, and they are ready, to stop the match immediately in these situations. Anthony was amazing."
