The salaries of top-flight referees have been unveiled, revealing that leading match officials can earn up to £250,000 per annum. This information was disclosed by Howard Webb, the chief refereeing officer, during a meeting with the 72 English Football League (EFL) clubs.
Premier League referees receive a base salary ranging between £72,000 and £148,000. The exact amount is dependent on their experience level. However, this is not the limit of their earning potential. Referees can also earn extra through performance bonuses and match fees.
For instance, junior referees can earn an overall salary of approximately £125,000 when these additional earnings are factored in. On the other hand, experienced match officials have the potential to double that amount.
Opportunities beyond domestic duties
Referees also have opportunities to increase their earnings by taking on international duties with UEFA and FIFA. For example, Premier League referee Michael Oliver officiated in the Saudi Pro League in 2023 where he earned double his usual fee for domestic matches - approximately £3k for overseeing Al-Nassr's clash with Al-Hilal.
When compared with their counterparts from lower leagues such as The Championship league - England's second-tier football competition - Premier League match officials earn significantly more; almost double in fact. The 18 Select Group Two Referees from The Championship league reportedly earn around £120k annually.
Back in action
Leading referees are set to return to the field this weekend, officiating various FA Cup matches across England. Darren England will be at the helm of the Fulham v Crystal Palace match, while Chris Kavanagh has been assigned to oversee Preston North End v Aston Villa. Stuart Attwell is scheduled to officiate Bournemouth's clash with Manchester City, and Peter Bankes will take charge of Brighton's tie against Nottingham Forest. This weekend promises a series of exciting matches under the watchful eyes of these experienced officials.
The revelation of the Premier League referees' salaries provides an interesting insight into the financial aspects of football officiating. It highlights not only the potential earnings for top-flight officials but also underscores the disparity between different leagues and opportunities available beyond domestic duties.
