Premier League set for referee overhaul as PGMOL chief Mike Riley joins exodus

Mike Riley will step down as the chief of the PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) next season as the body undergoes mass changes of personnel.

Riley, who has been in the role since 2009 having replaced Keith Hackett, has copped major criticism in recent years with the standard of refereeing coming under scrutiny. Several of the game's leading officials have left their current roles and Riley will now do likewise.

The 57-year-old's position is set to be split as the PGMOL seek to appoint a chief refereeing officer, in charge of developing match officials, and a chief operating officer, who will manage the organisation. One of the main challenges of Riley's tenure was the introduction of VAR - which came in for the 2019/20 season.

Riley said, after his departure was announced: "I am proud of the contribution our match officials have made to the professional game and have enjoyed working with such a dedicated, professional and high-quality group at all of the levels that PGMOL manages.

"As the Elite Referee Development Plan begins to take shape, now is the right time to plan for the future and allow the new leadership team to build on the strong foundations that we have in place. I look forward to working with the new team over the next season and giving them my support before I step down."

Premier League chief executive said on Riley's contribution: "During his time at PGMOL, he has worked hard to deliver and develop high-quality match officials across the professional game and led on the implementation of VAR into the Premier League three seasons ago."

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Riley had been under pressure to step down from his role with several clubs calling for change as the Telegraph reported there was a feeling too many mistakes had been made.

Several leading referees have also called times on their careers with Martin Atkinson, Mike Dean, Jonathan Moss and Kevin Friend all pursuing new challenges. Dean had become something of a celebrity but blew the whistle for the final time in Chelsea's win over Watford. Atkinson and Moss will take up backroom roles at the PGMOL with the former coaching the Select Group 1 of referees whilst Moss will manage the group.

Michael Oliver, regarded by many as the country's leading official, and Anthony Taylor were England's representatives at Euro 2020 last summer. However, back in 2018 the Premier League was dealt a major blow as all of their officials were overlooked for World Cup duty.