Ex-MLS player accepts PGMOL offer to become new Premier League referee

The suggestion that referees can never truly understand professional football because they haven't played the game themselves is a theory often bandied about by former stars. The emotion of the situation, the context, the frustrations that often boil over, officials are regularly questioned on how they can interpret intense moments when they've never been in the heat of the battle themselves.

Well, it's a theory that former and star Chris Birchall is determined to put to the test.

The midfielder, who won 44 caps for Trinidad and Tobago, played in the 2006 and can boast the distinction of replacing when he made his LA Galaxy debut in 2009.

And now the 40-year-old wants to return to the pro game as a man in the middle. He announced the news on social media, and included a tongue-in-cheek plea to pundit who has never been shy to voice his opinion on refereeing decisions or the use of VAR.

"I am over the moon to accept a three-year contract offer from the PGMOL to become one of the first ex players to transition into professional refereeing!" Birchall wrote on X. "Huge thanks to the PFA and along with the PGMOL for this opportunity. Gary Neville don't be sceptical, be very excited."

The PFA account responded by congratulating him on joining the 'Player to Match Official' scheme. And he's since changed the bio on his account to 'Former pro footballer turned referee. PGMOL player to referee contract."

Birchall will now embark on a fast-track pathway to refereeing, and could technically be qualified to take charge of Premier League games as early as 2027. His announcement was greeted with a wave of positivity online, with many expressing hope he would now be a 'trailblazer' who will pave the way for other retired players to follow suit.

The notion of professional players returning to the top level as referees has been almost non-existent, prompting PGMOL chief Howard Webb to initiate a new scheme last year. In partnership with the FA, PFA and Premier League, he announced an accelerated programme to allow former stars to become qualified officials.

Despite never playing in England's top flight, Birchall's career is notable enough to potentially set an example to those interested in following suit. He retired in 2016 following a second stint with , having played 322 career club games and scored 21 goals.

Having started out at Vale Park in the 2001/02 campaign, Birchall played in the Championship for . He also spent time on loan for St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership and represented Brighton before heading to LA in 2009.

There, he helped Beckham and co land an MLS Cup, two Supporters' Shield titles, and the Western Conference Championship. After a year with Columbus Crew he came back to Port Vale, and was part of the squad that earned promotion from League Two in the 2012/13 season.