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Anthony Taylor Quits England Officiating to Lead Turkey Referees

8/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Referee Anthony Taylor, 47, will quit English officiating to become director of elite refereeing for the Turkish Football Federation.
He announced the decision after refereeing Spain’s 1-0 win over Portugal in round-of-16 on July 6, 2026.
Taylor said pressure and abuse after the 2023 Europa League final in Budapest eroded his confidence, affected his family, and body and mind had reached a limit, prompting him to finish on his own terms.

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Story summary

Referee Anthony Taylor, 47, will quit English officiating to become director of elite refereeing for the Turkish Football Federation.
He announced the decision after refereeing Spain’s 1-0 win over Portugal in round-of-16 on July 6, 2026.
Taylor said pressure and abuse after the 2023 Europa League final in Budapest eroded his confidence, affected his family, and body and mind had reached a limit, prompting him to finish on his own terms.