Renowned EPL referee Howard Webb retires

Howard Webb. [PHOTO: COURTESY]

LONDON, UK: Howard Webb has retired from refereeing to take up a new position as Technical Director of Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), a newly created body that oversees match officials.

This brings to an end a distinguished 25-year career which saw Webb take charge of the 2010 World Cup and Champions League finals.

"I am very excited to start this new chapter in my career after a wonderfully rewarding 25 years on the pitch," the 43-year-old said on the Premier League website. "I have spent over a decade with the best seat in the house for Barclays Premier League matches, been lucky enough to be involved in nine UEFA and FIFA tournaments, and taken charge of the UEFA Champions League and FIFA World Cup finals.

Webb's new position will see him oversee the technical direction and standards that govern the on-field performance of match officials, as well as informing and educating the public on refereeing matters.

"Refereeing has given me so much and it’s important that match officials who have had the rewards remain in the game to pass on their knowledge," he said.