Anthony Taylor

Anthony Taylor, born on October 20, 1978, in Wythenshawe, Manchester, began his refereeing career in the Northern Premier League in 2002. He advanced to the Football Conference in 2004 and was appointed to The Football League referees’ list for the 2006–07 season, making his League Two debut in August 2006 during a match between Wrexham and Peterborough United. His early career also included officiating an England under-19s international friendly match against Switzerland under-19s in November 2006.

Taylor’s progression continued, leading to his first Premier League appointment in a February 2010 match between Fulham and Portsmouth. That same year, he was promoted to the Select Group of Referees, overseeing top-flight matches. A significant milestone occurred on January 1, 2013, when he became a FIFA-listed referee, enabling him to officiate UEFA European and FIFA international competitive games. Over the years, Taylor has taken charge of several high-profile matches, including the 2015 Football League Cup final, the 2015 FA Community Shield, and both the 2017 and 2020 FA Cup finals, making him the first referee since 1901 to officiate a second FA Cup final. He also refereed the 2020 UEFA Super Cup and the 2021 UEFA Nations League Final, further solidifying his career internationally.

His career also includes appointments at major international tournaments, such as the Qatar World Cup in 2022 and two European Championships (UEFA Euro 2020 and UEFA Euro 2024). In 2023, he refereed the UEFA Europa League final. Taylor is recognized for his calm demeanor under pressure, notably during a UEFA Euro 2020 group stage match where Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch, with Taylor signaling for medical attention swiftly. His background in the prison service has been cited as beneficial for handling such high-pressure situations, contributing to his sustained presence at the elite level of football officiating.