Former Premier League referee Anthony Taylor has secured a major new role in football just weeks after bringing the curtain down on his officiating career.
Taylor, who announced his retirement on July 21 following more than 20 years at the top level, has now been appointed as the Turkish Football Federation’s new director of elite refereeing.
The 47-year-old oversaw 668 domestic matches during his career and officiated on some of football’s biggest stages, including the Premier League, Champions League, European Championship and FIFA World Cup.
His latest move was confirmed on Tuesday after the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) announced a long-term agreement that will see Taylor oversee the strategic direction of elite officiating across the country.
In a statement, the federation said: “In the new role, Anthony will lead the strategic and technical development of elite refereeing within the Federation.
“His responsibilities will include supporting the development of match officials and helping to strengthen the wider refereeing programme in line with UEFA and FIFA standards.
“The appointment marks the next stage of a career spent at the highest levels of domestic and international football.
Former Premier League referee Anthony Taylor has secured a major new role in football just weeks after bringing the curtain down on his officiating career
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PA
“During his time as a referee, Anthony officiated in the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA European Championship and FIFA World Cup.”
Taylor’s arrival comes with Turkish refereeing under the spotlight following a string of high-profile controversies.
Last season, football authorities launched a disciplinary investigation after a five-year probe found widespread gambling activity among referees.
Anthony Taylor oversaw 668 domestic matches during his career and officiated on some of football’s biggest stages, including the Premier League, Champions League, European Championship and FIFA World Cup
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PA
The inquiry concluded that 371 of the country’s 571 officials held betting accounts, with 152 identified as active gamblers.
Investigators also found that 42 referees had placed bets on more than 1,000 matches each, while one official allegedly made an astonishing 18,227 wagers.
Elsewhere, Turkish football drew global attention when a third-tier referee attempted to assess a snow-covered pitch by bouncing a ball despite conditions clearly being unsuitable for play.
Despite those challenges, Taylor is relishing the opportunity to help develop the next generation of officials.
“I am delighted to be joining the Turkish Football Federation and very much looking forward to beginning this new role,” he said.
“Elite refereeing has been at the centre of my professional life for many years, and this appointment gives me the opportunity to use that experience in a different way.
Anthony Taylor quit his job as a Premier League referee back in June
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PA
“I am excited by the Federation’s ambitions for its match officials and by the opportunity to help shape the strategic and technical development of its refereeing programme.
“There is already a great deal of talent and commitment within Turkey, and I look forward to working with colleagues across the Federation to build on those foundations and support the continued development of referees at every stage of the elite pathway.”
Taylor also reflected on his decision to step away from refereeing after a career spanning more than two decades.
“Retiring from elite refereeing was a significant decision, but I was always clear that I wanted to remain closely involved in the game and contribute to the future of officiating,” he added.
“This is an exciting opportunity to begin that next chapter, and I look forward to getting started.”
