Howard Webb to leave MLS head of refereeing role, set to join Premier League

Howard Webb will become the first chief refereeing officer of the Professional Game Match Officials Board later this year.

Howard Webb has officiated many big games including the FIFA World Cup Final in 2010. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Howard Webb will leave his job as head of refereeing in Major League Soccer at the end of the current season. Webb will take similar role in the English Premier League with the aim of improving the general standard of officiating and providing better insight into the calls made by referees.

The 51-year-old Webb has taken charge of the biggest games in football, and officiated in the Premier League for 11 years.

For the past six years, he has worked in the United States and Canada, initially leading MLS’ video review operations and then as general manager of the Professional Referee Organisation.

Webb will become the first chief refereeing officer of the Premier League’s refereeing organisation.

Along with implementing an “Elite Referee Development Plan” — a program that will aim to improve the standard of officiating and increase the number of referees from diverse backgrounds at the top level — Webb also wants to show referees “in a different light.”

“I know there’s an awful lot of good people over there doing a lot of good work to improve the officiating standards,” Webb said. “There’s a lot of good officials over there as well working in the highest-profile league in the world.

Having led the rollout of VAR in MLS, Webb has also pushed for more transparency from officials — from videos breaking down VAR decisions to regular calls with the media to go over video review situations.

Webb will replace Mike Riley, who is stepping down as managing director of the Professional Game Match Officials Board this season, a role he has had for 13 years.The Premier League said Webb’s official start date will be confirmed in due course.