Managing Director to leave role this coming season after leading the organisation for 13 years

Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has released a statement saying that Managing Director Mike Riley will step down from his role this coming season.

The statement says: “Managing Director of PGMOL Mike Riley has confirmed he will step down from his role this coming season.

Riley has led the organisation for 13 years, overseeing the development of match officials in the Premier League, FA, EFL and National League competitions and more recently the Women’s Super League.”

Mike Riley said: “I am proud of the contribution our match officials have made to the professional game and have enjoyed working with a 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 Richard Masters said: “On behalf of the Premier League, I would like to thank Mike for his valuable contribution and significant commitment to PGMOL over the last 13 years as well as his considerable service to the game as an elite referee for 20 years. 

“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.” 

FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham said: “Mike Riley has played a crucial role in the development of refereeing over recent years, both as an elite referee and during his tenure at PGMOL. On behalf of The FA, I’d like to thank Mike for his dedication and commitment to refereeing and wish him all the best for the future.”

EFL Chief Executive Trevor Birch, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mike, on behalf of the EFL, for the important role he has played in developing refereeing in the professional game and wish him well for the future. 

“During an unprecedented 13 years at the helm, he has overseen a number of significant developments to match officiating; most notably in the EFL, the introduction of Select Group 2 match officials and goal line technology alongside greater training and support for National List officials.” 

PGMOL Chairman Mike Foster said: “Mike’s commitment to refereeing and the game in England has been immense, underpinned by his magnificent dedication and loyalty. Our match officials are recognised and valued over the world and that is testament to Mike’s vast leadership abilities. He will depart having created a lasting legacy.”

PGMOL will in due course confirm the appointment of a Chief Refereeing Officer to oversee the continued development of match officials and a Chief Operating Officer to manage the organisation.