Premier League veteran referee Mike Dean bids farewell to PGMOL
Referee Mike Dean is set to depart refereeing this summer Credit: Clare McCahill (ETPhotos)
The Premier League's refereeing body, Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), has announced that renowned referee Mike Dean is set to depart the organization this summer.
The news comes one year after Dean transitioned from his on-field role to a dedicated Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and coaching position.
Dean's extensive career as a referee spans more than three decades. He began officiating in 1985, advancing to serve as an assistant referee and then a full referee in the Football League by 1997.
His evident knack for the job quickly propelled him to the Premier League in 2000. The official has overseen more than 550 top-flight matches during his tenure.
The 55-year-old referee's stellar performances didn't go unnoticed on the international stage either.
In 2003, he was promoted to FIFA’s list of match officials. Furthermore, Dean had the distinction of refereeing the FA Cup and League Cup finals at Wembley in 2008 and 2011, respectively.
In their official statement, PGMOL expressed gratitude for Dean's significant contributions to the game and his unwavering dedication to the organization.
"PGMOL would like to place on record its recognition of Mike’s achievements as well as his immense contribution to refereeing and the game as a whole. We thank him for his dedication to the organisation over a sustained period of time and wish him every success for the future," the statement read.
