Mike Dean quits English football after stepping down as VAR official

PGMOL have confirmed that Mike Dean will be leaving the organisation this summer.

Dean became a dedicated VAR last summer and has also spent time coaching match officials over the past 12 months after calling time on his long and distinguished on-field career at the end of the 2021/22 season.

The 55-year-old started officiating in 1985 and progressed through the ranks to an assistant referee and then a referee in the Football League in 1995 and 1997 respectively.

Dean was promoted to the Premier League in 2000 and went on to referee over 550 matches in total in the top flight.

His performances were rewarded with a promotion to FIFA’s list of match officials just three years later, which was followed by being appointed to the FA Cup and League Cup finals at Wembley in 2008 and 2011 respectively.

PGMOL said they wished Dean every success for the future.