Mark Clattenburg will stun Premier League by quitting before next round of fixtures
Top-flight ref is frustrated by lack of support from the officials' governing body and has tried to be released from his contract
MARK CLATTENBURG will stun the Premier League by quitting before the next round of fixtures.
The Prem’s top ref, 41, is disillusioned by a lack of support from the officials’ governing body.
And an announcement is imminent with fellow Select Group One refs fully aware of the situation.
Keep up to date with ALL the Premier League gossip and transfers on our club page plus fixtures, results and live match commentary
SunSport can reveal Clattenburg approached Professional Game Match Officials Limited to be released from his contract before Christmas.
But they wanted 12 months’ notice and rejected his request.
Talks are ongoing over a financial package with the feeling among fellow top refs it is now no longer a question of if Clattenburg walks away but when.
There are no Premier League games until February 25 with the FA Cup taking centre stage this weekend.
Clattenburg, who was snubbed for a fifth-round tie, is unhappy with the PGMOL management, the way it is run, the management style of Mike Riley as well as the lack of support and quality coaching on offer.
The official took charge of last season’s Euro 2016, Champions League and FA Cup finals.
He has received offers from all around the world, including replacing MLS-bound Howard Webb at BT Sport and the Saudi Arabia Federation. China is also another option.
Incidents that sparked a rout
1 Cleared of racially abusing Chelsea’s John Obi Mikel in 2012 but top refs not happy at PGMOL’s lack of support.
2 FA referees’ chief David Elleray was unhappy at 2014 Uefa Super Cup appointment. Elleray told Uefa but Clattenburg found out.
3 Drove to see Ed Sheeran gig in Newcastle after refereeing Palace v West Brom in 2014. Deemed to be against PGMOL protocol.
4 Also spoke to Palace boss Neil Warnock by phone after the same game — also against PGMOL protocol.
5 Clattenburg was not backed as FA’s No 1 choice for Euro 2016. They wanted Martin Atkinson until Uefa chief Pierluigi Collina stepped in.