Referee Mike Dean quits VAR role in EPL ending 28-year career

Mike Dean is set to end his 28-year career as a professional official.

Dean, 55, became a dedicated Premier League video assistant referee last season after hanging up his whistle at the end of the 2021-22 campaign.

He began officiating in 1985 and progressed from refereeing in the Football League 10 years later to Premier League officiating in 2000.

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) say Dean will leave the organisation this summer.

Dean refereed over 550 matches in the top flight and he took charge of the FA Cup and League Cup finals at Wembley in 2008 and 2011 respectively.

He was also included in world governing body Fifa's list of match officials.

"PGMOL would like to place on record its recognition of Mike's achievements as well as his immense contribution to refereeing and the game as a whole," said the organisation.

"We thank him for his dedication to the organisation over a sustained period of time and wish him every success for the future."