Mark Clattenburg is set to surprise the Premier League by calling it quits before the next round of games.
The 41-year-old, who is among the top referees in the Premier League, is not happy with the lack of support shown from the officials of the governing body of the match officials.
Foottheball sources claim that Clattenburg had held talks with Professional Game Match Officials Limited and asked them to release him from his existing contract before Christmas.
However, the governing body had demanded a 12 months’ notice and had rejected Clattenburg’s request.
Sources also reveal that negotiations are going on over a financial package but the popular feeling among the top refs is that it is only a matter of time that Clattenburg calls it quits in the Premier League.
The Premier League resumes on February 25 with the teams busy preparing for the FA Cup this weekend.
Clattenburg, who was axed for a fifth-round tie, is not happy with the management of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited. He is not happy with their methods, the management style of Mike Riley. He is also disillusioned by the lack of support and the poor quality of coaching offered by the governing body.
Clattenburg had taken charge of last season’s Euro 2016, Champions League and FA Cup finals.
Reports claim that the high profile referee is now under the radar of top-flight leagues all over the world.
Clattenburg has now been hugely linked with a move to Chinese Super League and Major League Soccer, who are keen on roping him in.