Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterIf you follow English football you know Michael Oliver.He has refereed across the English football league for almost 20 years and is part of the referee delegation that has been sent to America to officiate the 2026 World Cup.Heres 10 things you should know about Englands most prestigious referee.His father, Clive Oliver, was also a referee and introduced him to the profession at 14He refereed the 2007 Conference National League play-off final, becoming the youngest referee to officiate a game at WembleyIn 2009, he and his father refereed in consecutive games at Wembley, as Michael took charge of the League One play-off final, while Clive took charge of the League Two play-off finalHe has refereed the FA Cup final twice, the EFL Cup final once and the Community Shield onceHe is a Newcastle United fan, meaning he is not allowed to referee any of the clubs gamesBecause of this, he also cannot referee any Sunderland gamesHe made history in August 2010 when he became the youngest-ever Premier League referee, presiding over a match between Birmingham and Blackburn Rovers at just 25 years and 182 days old.In 2018, he awarded a last-minute penalty to Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final against Juventus. The tie was level at 3-3 on aggregate and he sent off goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon for dissent. Cristiano Ronaldo scored the subsequent penaltyOliver is refereeing at his second World Cup, after being one of six English officials present in Qatar in 2022In 2023 he refereed the Saudi Pro League clash between Al-Nassr and Al-HilalGet FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.TOPICSMichael OliverWorld CupWorld Cup 2026Ewan GenneryFreelance writerEwan is a freelance writer and social media manager who has worked for The Athletic, GOAL, 90min and OneFootball. From Gelsenkirchen to Riyadh, he has covered some of the biggest games in football in his three years in the industry.
