Premier League official retires with seven games remaining – and final match is this weekend

Premier League Darren Cann will call time on his career this weekend after overseeing nearly 600 top-flight matches.

Having started officiating at just 22, Cann progressed quickly to the top of Since his beginnings in 1991, 56-year-old Cann has taken charge of more than 1,000 clashes across various leagues and tournaments and is the longest-serving match official in the

The Norfolk native notably took centre stage at the acting as assistant to in South Africa.

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Alas, after years running the line in the English top flight, Manchester City's home clash against Crystal Palace at the Etihad on Saturday will be his 579th and last fixture before he bids farewell.

"It's been the privilege of my life to serve the game that I love. Officiating the World Cup final and the Champions League final are memories I will cherish forever," admitted Cann, who will retire with seven games left in this Premier League campaign.

"But, above all, I'm proud of the fact I've given 100 per cent in every single match throughout my career... this Saturday will be my 579th - and final - Premier League match. It's been an honour to serve the professional game for the last 25 years."

Cann will run the line on Saturday, working with referee Jarred Gillett and fellow assistant Ian Hussin before laying down his equipment - which he first picked up in the Premier League in 2005.

This top-flight bow came after roughly four years officiating in the English Football League, and Cann has gone on to oversee plenty of international fixtures as well as domestic ones.

Aside from the World Cup final between Spain and the Netherlands in 2010, Cann also represented England in the 2014 renewal held in Brazil, and the 2008 EUROs.

Cann has also been present at the FIFA Confederations Cup, the FIFA U20 World Cup and the FIFA U17 World Cup, and his years of commitment have seen him lauded by former referee Webb.

Webb, who became Cann's PGMOL boss in 2022, said: "Darren's career has been nothing short of exceptional. As I know first-hand from working with Darren on many matches, he is an official of extraordinary talent.

"He has performed at the very highest level with distinction. His professionalism and dedication have made him an outstanding ambassador for English officiating.

"We wish him all the very best as he steps away from the field - though we're sure his impact will continue to be felt for many years to come."