Webb retires from refereeing to become PGMOL technical director

Howard Webb has retired from refereeing to become technical director at Professional Game Match Officials Limited.

Webb, 43, started his refereeing career in 1989 and oversaw his first Premier League match in October 2003, before being added to Fifa's international referees' list two years later.

In 2010 he took charge of the Champions League final between Inter and Bayern Munich, and then the World Cup final in South Africa as Spain beat the Netherlands.

Webb's new role will include "overseeing the technical direction and standards that govern the on-field performance of PGMOL's match officials", according to an official statement.

He will also be responsible for the training and coaching of referees, as well as "informing and educating" the public on refereeing issues.

Mike Riley, former Premier League referee and general manager at PGMOL, added: "Howard has been the foremost referee of his generation and an inspiration for match officials in this country and around the world."

Good luck Webb
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