Exclusive: Hugh Dallas in talks to replace Martin Atkinson at PGMOL

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

Published on:

04 Nov 2024, 4:38 am

Hugh Dallas is in talks to join the Professional Game Match Officials Limited and replace the outgoing Martin Atkinson, sources have told Football Insider.

Former Scottish ref Dallas is a close ally of PGMOL chief Howard Webb and is said to be the favourite to succeed Atkinson.

Atkinson had been working as the Select Group Manager at the PGMOL but will be departing the role in early December to become the Scottish FA’s new VAR manager.

That will leave an opening in the PGMOL which Dallas could now fill, after stints working for the Scottish FA and the Turkish Football Federation.

Dallas had been the Referee Development Officer for the Scottish FA and also had a long career as an on-field referee in Scotland before retiring from that aspect of the game.

Dallas will work closely with Webb, who has been working tirelessly to improve the overall standard of refereeing in England during his time in charge of the PGMOL.

The pressure will be on Hugh Dallas from fans in this role

The 66-year-old will be under scrutiny from fans and pundits if he takes up a role in the PGMOL, with this aspect of the game being heavily analysed and commented on nowadays.

Dallas had been working during Euro 2024 as a referee supervisor and has extensive experience.

However, the PGMOL has come under fire throughout the season for various VAR decisions that have been made in games.

Former Man City financial advisor Stefan Borson previously told Football Insider that the PGMOL may need to pay referees more money due to the damaging suggestions that there was bias involved due to work they were taking on outside the league.

During Sunday’s (3 November) game between Man United and Chelsea there was more VAR controversy as pundits claimed Lisandro Martinez should’ve been sent off for a foul on Cole Palmer.

In other news, Man United ‘leak’: Stefan Borson responds to INEOS ‘getting rid.’

For more Man United and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.