Premier League referee now set for first-ever Champions League call-ups as ex-PGMOL chief left pleased
Chris Kavanagh has been promoted to an elite list of Uefa referees after performing well in the Premier League.
Confirmed by BBC Sport on 30 December, Kavanagh will now join Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor in the top tier of European officials.
This elite list takes charge of tournament and Champions League games, meaning that Kavanagh is now set for a call-up for Europe’s most prestigious competition.
This news comes despite Kavanagh making plenty of contentious decision in the Premier League to date this season.
Nevertheless, former referee Keith Hackett was quick to congratulate the referee on the news.
Keith Hackett offers congratulations to Chris Kavanagh for Uefa promotion
Hackett has criticised many of Kavanagh’s decisions this season in the Premier League.
The former referee even called for Kavanagh to be suspended from officiating after he did not send off Yerson Mosquera against Newcastle.
Nevertheless, he was quick to offer his congratulations to the referee on the recent news.
Chris Kavanagh has been promoted to the elite list of Uefa referees alongside Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor ⬆️
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) December 30, 2025
It means England will have three referees in the top tier of European officials for the first time in eight years. pic.twitter.com/XCUoYpZbGp
He exclusively told Football Insider: “Chris Kavanagh will have sustained a high level of performance in his UEFA appointments to gain this elevation to the top panel of officials in Europe.
“It appears to me that UEFA, through the Head of Referees, Italian Roberto Rossetti, is delivering clear leadership and direction to referees operating in UEFA Competitions.
“Kavanagh, along with established colleagues Oliver and Taylor. It now opens up the opportunity for Kavanagh to receive Championship League appointments.
“I offer him my congratulations and best wishes.”
When are the next Champions League fixtures?
The next round of Champions League fixtures are set to take place on 20 January and 21 January.
This will be the penultimate game in the league stage as teams look to secure their qualification for the next round.
| English team’s next fixture in the Champions League | Date |
| Bodo/Glimt vs Man City | 20 January |
| Tottenham vs Borussia Dortmund | 20 January |
| Inter Milan vs Arsenal | 20 January |
| Marseille vs Liverpool | 21 January |
| Newcastle vs PSV | 21 January |
Arsenal would secure their place in the top eight with a victory after winning every game to date.
Mikel Arteta’s side are set to play Inter Milan at the San Siro on 20 January. Kick-off for the tie is set for 8pm.