SFA confirm appointment of former Premier League ref to key role | OneFootball

The Scottish FA have announced the appointment of Martin Atkinson as the new VAR manager. The 53-year-old will assume the role in December, having agreed to take over from the departing Jon Moss in the role within The SFA.

In an announcement on Thursday afternoon, the SFA confirmed the appointment of the ex-Premier League referee.

Atkinson, once one of English football’s most respected referees, called time on his career in 2022, leaving behind a legacy as being a top official. Born in Bradford, Atkinson started officiating in 1995, climbing the ranks from local leagues to the Premier League’s Select Group in 2005. Over the next 17 years, he became a fixture in English football, trusted with some of the league’s most high-stakes clashes and crucial moments.

Atkinson’s international recognition came in 2006, when he earned his FIFA badge and began representing England on the global stage. His international career highlights included officiating in Champions League fixtures and the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifiers. Domestically, in 2011 Atkinson took charge of the FA Cup Final between Manchester City and Stoke City.

As he neared retirement, Atkinson continued to shape English officiating by mentoring up-and-coming referees through his work with Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL). By the time he hung up his whistle, Atkinson had refereed nearly 500 Premier League matches.