Mike Riley (referee)

English football referee

Michael "Mike" Anthony Riley (born 17 December 1964) is an English former professional football referee, who has refereed in the English Football League, Premier League, and for FIFA and also is the General Manager for PGMOL who will be stepping down in November 2022.

Mike Riley
Full nameMichael Anthony Riley
Born (1964-12-17) 17 December 1964 (age 59)
Leeds, West Yorkshire, England
Other occupationAccountant
Domestic
YearsLeagueRole
1989–1994The Football LeagueAssistant referee
1994—1996The Football LeagueReferee
1966–2009Premier LeagueReferee
1999—2009FIFA listedReferee

Career change

He became a national Football League referee in 1994, having previously served five years on their assistant referees' list. He was later granted FIFA status in 1999 allowing him to officiate international fixtures.

In 2002, Riley refereed The FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Chelsea, which he later stated was "the highlight of my career". Riley took charge of the 2004 Football League Cup Final, between Bolton and Middlesbrough, in a game that saw all three goals scored within the first 25 minutes. He awarded a penalty to Middlesbrough after seven minutes and cautioned five players during the course of the game.