Mark Clattenburg has quit as a Premier League referee, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited has announced.

The 41-year-old – widely considered one of the best referees in the world – is leaving English football to take up a role with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.

Clattenburg, who took charge of the Champions League final, FA Cup final and the European Championship final in 2016, approached his PGMOL bosses before Christmas to ask to be released from his contract.

In a statement, PGMOL said: “The Professional Game Match Officials Limited would like to wish Mark Clattenburg well as he prepares for his move to the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.

“Since joining the PGMOL Select Group in 2004, Mark developed into one of our top officials, refereeing at the highest level and setting standards for others to follow.

“His accomplishments are numerous and last season saw Mark achieve a memorable treble, on top of another consistently excellent season in the Premier League, as he officiated three major cup finals – the FA Cup final, the UEFA Champions League final and the UEFA Euro 2016 final.

“Mark is a talented referee, he has been a great asset to the English game and hopefully an inspiration to those who want to get into refereeing at the grass roots of the game.

“We understand this is an exciting opportunity for Mark as well as further underlining what high esteem English match officials are held throughout the world game.”