Mike Dean steps down from Premier League VAR role ending 28-year career
Mike Dean is set to stand down from his position as a dedicated VAR - ending his legendary officiating career.
Dean, 55, had been named as a dedicated video assistant referee at the start of last season, after calling time on his on-field career. But report that after honest talks with chief of referees Howard Webb, it has been decided he is ‘unsuited’ to the role.
He was one of two officials exclusively tasked with working at Stockley Park, but struggled to make the transition and hadn’t officiated a game since February. As a Premier League referee Dean took charge of more than 500 games and remains infamous for his unique style.
Dean's swift departure marks the latest move no-nonsense Webb has made since being appointed head of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) – the body which oversees officiating. Last season saw several apologies made to clubs after mistakes, with Lee Mason - the other dedicated VAR - leaving his position in February.
A statement from the PGMOL reads: "PGMOL would like to place on record its recognition of Mike’s achievements as well as his immense contribution to refereeing and the game as a whole.
Mike Dean taken off VAR duty for two months with long-term future now in doubt
"We thank him for his dedication to the organisation over a sustained period of time and wish him every success for the future. "
For Dean, it marks the end of a officiating career which stretches back almost three decades, with his personality likely to appeal to broadcasters. Recently the likes of Peter Walton have made the move into television - a role Dean would appear to suit perfectly.
His departure also signifies the latest step to overhaul the use of technology within British football, which continues to divide supporters, players and pundits. Webb is pushing hard to make the whole process more transparent by allowing conversations between officials to be made public.
"We made a commitment to be more transparent and we know and recognise that people want more information about refereeing processes - particularly with the advent of VAR,” he explained during an appearance on Monday Night Football earlier this year.
Chief of referees Howard Webb is continuing to implement changes (Sky Sports)"We want to draw the curtain back, we're prepared to do that and show the viewers and spectators what goes into making the decisions on the field and how VAR works as well.
“We’re doing everything we can to be as transparent as we can,” he added. “But there’s some parameters that we have to work within that FIFA set, but we’re going to push those.
“We’re going to do everything we can to draw the curtain back, we’re going to do some stuff post-game that’s not been done before fairly soon and then if we can do stuff in-game we’ll do it.
“We’ll see what we can do post-game, even in-game with the stadium audience, that’s certainly my intention and hopefully you’ll see some developments in the coming weeks.”
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