Baghdad: Renowned English referee Anthony Taylor has announced his retirement from professional refereeing after a distinguished career spanning more than two decades, during which he officiated 831 matches.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Taylor, 47, is considered one of England's most prominent referees, having officiated 668 professional football matches in the country. His final match was the Round of 16 World Cup game between Portugal and Spain in the United States.

Over 16 seasons in the English Premier League, Taylor officiated 432 top-flight matches and all major domestic cup finals. His achievements include the FA Cup finals in 2017 and 2020, the League Cup final in 2015, the FA Community Shield final in 2015, and the Championship play-off final in 2018.

Taylor also enjoyed a distinguished international career, spending 14 years on FIFA's international referees list. During that period, he officiated matches in two editions of the World Cup (2022 and 2026), two editions of the European Championship (2020 and 2024), and two editions of the Club World Cup (2022 and 2025).