Anthony Taylor appointed head of Turkish football’s elite refereeing department

Anthony Taylor has been appointed by the Turkish Football Federation as director of its Elite Referee Committee, with the former England official brought in to help develop refereeing across the Turkish league.

Taylor, who announced his retirement from refereeing after the 2026 World Cup, will use his experience at international and domestic level to support the development of the Turkish game.

“Turkish football is one of the most passionate and competitive football competitions,” Taylor said at a news conference after his appointment.

“I believe refereeing at the highest level depends on good preparation, hard work and consistency.”

He added: “It is extremely important that we provide an environment that gives all referees confidence, support and commitment, so they can perform at their best.”

“Refereeing is a profession subject to enormous scrutiny and pressure, and we want refereeing decisions to be made with professionalism, courage and fairness,” Taylor said.

“Today we begin this journey through education and transparency. We will discuss some changes to the Laws of the Game and consider how they will be applied during the new season.”

Taylor, 47, ended a career spanning more than two decades after refereeing 831 matches. The Athletic reported that he would retire following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup.

His final match was Spain’s last-16 World Cup meeting with Portugal. Taylor also refereed in the Premier League for 16 years, taking charge of 432 matches in England’s top flight.

He oversaw the 2024 UEFA Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid, as well as the FA Cup finals in 2017 and 2020. He was also appointed referee for the 2015 EFL Cup final.

Taylor and his family were attacked by Roma supporters at Budapest Airport after the 2023 UEFA Europa League final. The incident came after Taylor had officiated the final.

He also refereed two matches involving Al Ahly at the FIFA Club World Cup, against Brazilian side Palmeiras and American club Seattle Sounders.

Taylor’s appointment comes as Turkish football prepares for the arrival of Mohamed Salah, who is moving to the Turkish league with Trabzonspor after leaving Liverpool.

Salah is due to undergo a medical examination in Trabzon before signing his contract with the club.

The Egypt forward will reportedly sign a two-year agreement with Trabzonspor and earn 17m euros per season, in addition to other clauses and bonuses.

Taylor’s new role will therefore begin alongside a period of heightened attention on Turkish football, with the federation seeking to use his international experience to strengthen its refereeing structure and prepare officials for the new campaign.