Michael Oliver (referee) Bio: Wife, Age, Children, Parents, Stats, Instagram, Man City, Height

Biography

Michael Oliver, born on February 20, 1985, in Ashington, Northumberland, is a talented English professional football referee.

His refereeing journey began at just 14, inspired by his father, Clive Oliver, who was also a referee. Demonstrating remarkable talent, he swiftly climbed the ranks and, in 2007, became the youngest referee to officiate at Wembley Stadium during the Conference National play-off final.

In 2010, Oliver joined the Select Group of Referees, making history as the youngest referee in Premier League history at the time. His international career gained momentum in 2012 when he earned his FIFA badge, allowing him to officiate major global matches. Among his notable assignments are the final of the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup and his 2018 promotion to the UEFA Elite Group of Referees.

Renowned for his composure, professionalism, and commitment to fair play, Oliver has overseen numerous high-profile fixtures, including FA Cup finals, Champions League matches, and international tournaments.

However, his career has not been without controversy. In 2025, he faced police investigations following threats and abuse over a contentious red card decision in an Arsenal vs. Wolves match.

English association football referee
Michael Oliver
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Michael Oliver
Born:	20 February 1985 (age 40 years old)
Place of Birth:	Ashington, United Kingdom
Nationality:	English
Education:	N/A
Height:	178 cm
Parents:	Clive Oliver
Siblings:	N/A
Spouse:	Lucy Oliver (m. 2015)
Girlfriend • Partner:	Not Dating
Children:	N/A
Occupation:	Football Referee
Net Worth:	$1 million-$5 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Michael Oliver was born on February 20, 1985, in Ashington, Northumberland, England. While his ethnicity is not explicitly documented, he holds British nationality. His religious beliefs are not widely known.

Having been a referee, Oliver‘s father, Clive Oliver, played a pivotal role in shaping his refereeing career. However, details about his mother and any siblings remain largely undisclosed in public records.

He grew up in Ashington, where he was introduced to refereeing at 14 under his father’s guidance. Though specific educational institutions are not mentioned, he completed his schooling while simultaneously developing his career as a referee, balancing academics and his passion for officiating.

Career

Michael Oliver‘s refereeing career is marked by an early start and a swift rise to the highest levels of the sport. Inspired by his father, Clive Oliver, he began officiating at 14 and quickly demonstrated his talent.

By 22, he was promoted to the National List of Referees in 2007, making history as the youngest referee to officiate at Wembley Stadium during the Conference National play-off final.

In 2010, Oliver joined the Select Group of Referees, becoming the youngest referee in Premier League history at the time. His debut top-flight match was between Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers when he was 25 years and 182 days old.

Two years later, he earned his FIFA badge, allowing him to officiate international fixtures. His career milestones include refereeing the final of the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup and earning a spot in the UEFA Elite Group of Referees in 2018.

Oliver has overseen major matches, including FA Cup finals, including the 2021 Emirates FA Cup Final, numerous Champions League fixtures, and high-stakes domestic cup finals. However, his career has not been without controversy.

In 2018, he received death threats and was forced to temporarily relocate after awarding Real Madrid a last-minute penalty in a Champions League quarter-final against Juventus. His decisions have often been scrutinized in intense matches, with reactions ranging from praise for his professionalism to criticism for perceived errors.

In 2025, another controversial moment arose when Oliver issued a red card during an Arsenal vs. Wolves match, sparking significant backlash and leading to police investigations following threats and abuse. Despite these challenges, he remains one of the most respected referees in football, known for his composure and commitment to fair play.

Social Media

• Wikipedia: Michael Oliver (referee)
• Instagram: Michael Oliver (@michael_oliver12)
• Twitter: Michael Oliver (@MichaelOliver30) / X

Personal Life

Michael Oliver was born on February 20, 1985, making him 40 years old. He is married to Lucy Oliver, who is also a football referee at the Women’s Super League level and in men’s non-league matches.

Lucy holds a Level 3 refereeing qualification and was previously a college lecturer. Michael and Lucy have been married since June 2015, with no record of any other marriages.

Information on whether they have children is not widely available or confirmed through public records. Michael stands at an approximate height of 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm).

Net Worth

Michael Oliver, a prominent English football referee, has an estimated net worth ranging from $1 million to $5 million. His primary source of income stems from his career as a referee in the Premier League, where he earns a base salary reportedly around £150,000 per year.

In addition to his annual salary, he receives approximately £1,500 per match officiated in the Premier League. This income is supplemented by earnings from international matches, including those in the UEFA Champions League, where the fees can vary based on the match’s significance.

Some reports cite earnings of up to £3,800 for a single game in Saudi Arabia. His financial status reflects both his high standing in the refereeing world and the lucrative nature of officiating at the top levels of football.