Reason why Bobby Madley has quit Premier League referee job

Bobby Madley has quit his role as a Premier League referee.

The 32-year-old has taken charge of top-flight games since 2013 and was one of 18 full-time professional officials.

He was one of only two select refs to not officiate a match in the opening weekend, alongside Roger East.

Madley, from West Yorkshire, was appointed to the FIFA elite level of international referees back in January and took charge of the 2017 Community Shield at Wembley.

But he did not attend the planned pre-season briefing meet-up of top refs earlier this summer at St George’s Park and it has now emerged he has relinquished his duties.

And the reason for his sudden departure has emerged.

“We understand he has decided to relocate due to a change in his personal circumstances,” a statement from the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) read.

“Bobby Madley is no longer employed by the PGMOL.”

Madley took charge of 19 Premier League games last season.

There are now only 17 full-time professional referees on the books of the PGMOL, a subsidiary of the Premier League.

Referees can be axed from the list if they get injured or fail to pass the annual fitness tests.