After 20 years as confessed by Anthony Taylor, the 47-year-old has decided not to return to the English game at the start of the new season. Taylor has overseen 668 domestic matches and 163 internationals, including every major English final. His sudden departure followed the World Cup round‑of‑16 clash where Spain beat Portugal 1‑0 on July 6, after which he chose to step podle the pressure, scrutiny and overwhelming external opinion.

He told BBC Sport that no referee can claim that pressure does not affect them, noting how fear of mistakes, media commentary, and spectator criticism fuel self‑doubt and erode confidence. Taylor’s choice to pivot to a new role as director of elite refereeing for the Turkish Football Federation reflects both mental and physical readiness to leave the centre of the field and embrace a fresh challenge.

The decision also stemmed from recurring abuse, notably after the 2023 Europa League final where his family faced hostile Roma fans at Budapest Airport. The cumulative demands on his body and mind, coupled with family sacrifices, led Taylor to retire on his own terms, preferring to end at the World Cup rather than continue under relentless pressure.