Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has left his VAR role after a 28-year career.
Dean became a video assistant referee (VAR) following his retirement from refereeing last summer, but is leaving to pursue media work.
The top-flight’s refereeing body, Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), confirmed his departure from the organisation on Saturday, ahead of the 2023-24 season.
PGMOL said that Dean, 55, had made an “immense contribution to refereeing and the game as a whole”.
A statement read: “PGMOL can confirm 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.
“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.We thank him for his dedication to the organisation over a sustained period of time and wish him every success for the future.”
Dean started officiating in 1985 and progressed through the ranks to become an assistant referee in the Football League in 1995, and then a referee two years later.
He was promoted to the Premier League in 2000.
Known for showing his personality on the pitch, and having handed out a record 114 red cards, Dean took charge of 553 matches in the top flight.
(Photo: Getty Images)
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