Mark Clattenburg has given up on his dream of refereeing the World Cup Final after becoming disillusioned with life in the Premier League — and tempted by the riches of the Middle East.
He was already on UEFA’s pre-selected list for Russia 2018 and it is thought he was a strong favourite to land the final, especially after taking charge of last year’s Champions League and Euro 2016 finals.
The County Durham-born official could yet use the influence of his friend Pierluigi Collina — the former Italian referee who holds positions with both UEFA and FIFA — to safeguard his involvement next summer, but that looks unlikely.
Sources say the move to Saudi Arabia offers financial security — his wages will rocket from his current £100,000 a year — and provides an escape route from the politics of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited.
Clattenburg decided before Christmas that he wanted to go and talk was soon rife that he was set to quit. But the timing of his appointment as Saudi Arabia’s head of referees has stunned colleagues, most of whom hold the 41-year-old in high regard.
His departure robs the Premier League of its best referee just when the standard of officiating is again being questioned and it is possible he will try to persuade others to follow him.
His last match in England was Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Hull at the Emirates Stadium last Saturday, after which he apologised to visiting players for failing to spot Alexis Sanchez’s handball goal.