At just 25 years of age, Michael Oliver became the youngest referee in Premier League history when he took charge of Birmingham City’s clash with Blackburn Rovers in August 2010, and he has remained a top flight official ever since.

Oliver’s rapid rise up the Football League ladder culminated in being added to the Select Group of referees for the 2010/11 season. Prior to his time in the Premier League, Oliver was a Football League referee for three years after learning his trade with four years at non-league level.

In 2012, his quick progress was rewarded as he was elevated to the FIFA list of referees, making him now eligible to take charge of fixtures in the Champions League and Europa League, as well as UEFA internationals.

His father, Clive, was a former Football League referee.