michael oliver (born 20 february 1985) is an english professional football referee from ashington, northumberland. his county fa is the northumberland football association. he belongs to the select group of referees in england and officiates primarily in the premier league. he received his fifa badge in 2012, allowing him to officiate in major international matches. oliver was appointed to take charge of the final of the 2015 fifa u-17 world cup. oliver was promoted to the uefa elite group of referees in 2018. he is also a newcastle united supporter.