Anthony Taylor Appointed Turkish FA Refereeing Director After Retirement
Former Premier League referee Anthony Taylor has started a new role as director of elite refereeing for the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) following his retirement from officiating last month.
The 47‑year‑old official, who spent two decades on the Premier League’s list of referees, said he is eager to help develop match officials in Turkey.
“I am delighted to be joining the Turkish Football Federation and look forward to the opportunity ahead,” Taylor stated.
His appointment comes shortly after a major refereeing betting scandal emerged in Turkish football. A five‑year investigation revealed that 371 of the 571 match officials held betting accounts, prompting demands for extensive reform.
At the time, TFF president Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu declared, “If we want to bring Turkish football to the place it deserves, we have to clean up whatever dirt there is.”
The confirmation was handled through Trinity Chambers, with barrister Fraser Williamson representing Taylor during the process.
Williamson explained that Taylor will “lead the strategic and technical development of elite refereeing within the Turkish Football Federation, supporting the organisation’s ambition to further develop its match officials and strengthen its refereeing programme in line with UEFA and FIFA standards.”
He 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.”
Reflecting on his decision to retire, Taylor said, “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.”
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