UMVA has learned that two Premier League referees are poised to earn a six‑figure payday at this summer’s World Cup, with the chance to add even larger bonuses if they guide the knockout matches.
Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor, both seasoned officials from England’s top flight, have been hand‑picked by FIFA to oversee games at the globe’s biggest tournament, and they could even officiate the final if England’s journey ends before the showdown.
Already, each has pocketed roughly £250,000 this season from Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA assignments, underscoring the elite status they enjoy within the officiating world.
Information obtained by UMVA reveals that the World Cup could boost their earnings by up to $100,000 (£75,000) for the tournament’s duration, with additional payouts tied to their retention for the later stages.
In a candid interview on a recent whistleblower podcast, former referee Mark Clattenburg disclosed the modest sums paid to officials at past tournaments, noting that even a final‑level referee at Euro 2016 walked away with around €60,000 (£51,800).
Clattenburg recalled that World Cup remuneration has hovered near $60,000 (£45,000) for many years, with a slight increase for those who command the final, pushing the total to somewhere between $60,000 and $70,000 (£52,000).
Beyond the base fee, referees receive daily allowances that can substantially augment their income, turning each match into a lucrative opportunity.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that Oliver and Taylor’s potential World Cup earnings could eclipse those historic figures, marking a significant financial milestone for English officials on the world stage.
