Former Premier League referee Anthony Taylor has been appointed as the Turkish Football Federation's new elite refereeing director following his retirement from professional officiating after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The experienced English official called time on his refereeing career after the tournament and will now begin a new chapter by overseeing the development of elite referees in Turkish football.

Taylor's appointment comes just weeks after he confirmed the World Cup would be his final competition as a match official following a distinguished career at the highest level.

His final World Cup assignment was Spain's quarter-final victory over Portugal, while his last Premier League match was West Ham United's 3-0 win over Leeds United on the final day of the 2025-26 season.

What Anthony Taylor's New Role In Turkey Involves

In his new role outside of the pitch, Taylor has been tasked with leading strategic and technical development of professional referees in Turkish football. 

He will be in charge of strengthening the country’s refereeing programme to meet international standards at UEFA and FIFA.

“In the new role, Anthony will lead the strategic and technical development of elite refereeing within the Federation,” read a statement from the Turkish Football 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.”

“During his time as a referee, Anthony officiated in the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA European Championship and FIFA World Cup.”

Why Turkish Football Is Reforming Its Refereeing System

Turkish football has been plagued with officiating scandals with the most recent episode being Istanbul derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce in April. 

After their 3-0 win against Fenerbahce to cement their Super Lig crown, Galatasaray accused referees in the Turkish top-flight of being “evil” against them. 

In 2025, over 140 referees were suspended by the Turkish Football Federation after being found guilty of having betting accounts, which was against professional ethics. 

Earlier in 2025, former Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho was handed a four-match ban and thousands of pounds in fine for criticising Turkish referees of being biased after a goalless draw against Galatasaray. 

Anthony Taylor's Refereeing Career And Experience

Taylor’s appointment is expected to bring greater consistency to the officiating process in Turkish football, given his records and experience as a match official. 

The 47-year-old spent 16 years as a Premier League referee and 14 years on FIFA international list where he handled UEFA Nations League final (2021), UEFA Super Cup (2020), UEFA Europa League final (2023) and various UEFA and FIFA matches. 

He officiated 668 professional games in England, 432 Premier League games, two FA Cup finals (2017 and 2022) and 2015 League Cup final. 

aylor described his new role in Turkey as an exciting project that has been at the centre of his profession as a match official.

“I am delighted to be joining the Turkish Football Federation and very much looking forward to beginning this new role,” Taylor 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

“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.”