New Delhi, April 9 (NationPress) The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has revealed that assistant referee Darren Cann will officiate his final professional match when Manchester City faces Crystal Palace in a Premier League clash this Saturday.

This highly celebrated official will conclude his career after this match at the Etihad Stadium, marking the end of an extraordinary journey that has lasted over three decades, including two at the pinnacle of the sport.

Since making his Premier League debut in 2005, Cann has officiated a record-setting number of matches, with Saturday being his 579th and last appearance – the highest for any match official in the league's history.

Overall, he has managed more than 1,000 professional matches both domestically and internationally, establishing a standard for consistency and professionalism.

“This Saturday will be my 579th – and final – Premier League match. Serving the professional game for the last 25 years has been a true honor. Officiating the World Cup final and the Champions League final are memories I will forever treasure, but more than anything, I take pride in having given 100 percent in every match throughout my career.

“I extend my gratitude to everyone who has supported me in this fantastic sport, including PGMOL, The FA, and all clubs, managers, players, and fans who have contributed to making the Premier League the greatest league worldwide. Serving the game I love has been the privilege of my life,” Cann expressed.

Cann's career as a match official began in 1991, and he was officiating in the Football League a decade later before moving up to the elite level of English football.

His impressive international record includes representing England in 140 international matches, featuring in two FIFA World Cups – South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014 – as well as UEFA EURO 2008.

Notably, he was part of the officiating teams for the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and the Netherlands, and the UEFA Champions League final between Inter Milan and Bayern Munich, both in 2010, emphasizing his elite standing in global football.

His distinguished career also features assignments at the FIFA Confederations Cup, FIFA U20 World Cup, and FIFA U17 World Cup, confirming his status as one of the finest assistant referees in the game's history.

Cann has been a beacon for countless officials nationwide, consistently upholding the highest standards and motivating those around him, both on and off the pitch.

“Darren's career has been truly exceptional. Having worked alongside him on numerous matches, I can attest to his extraordinary talent as an official who has performed at the highest levels with distinction.

“His professionalism and commitment have made him an outstanding ambassador for English officiating. We wish him all the best as he steps away from the field, although we are confident that his impact will be felt for many years to come,” stated PGMOL Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb.