Howard Webb to be offered new MLS deal in bid to fend off return to Premier League as refs’ chief

HOWARD WEBB is to be offered a new deal by MLS in a late bid to fend off a move back to the Premier League.

The former top-flight whistler, 57, is in line for a Prem return as refs’ chief to replace Professional Game Match Officials Limited boss Mike Riley.

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Webb is under contract with Major League Soccer, where he is general manager of the Professional Referee Organisation, until January.

SunSport understands Webb is keen for a UK comeback later this year and MLS will not stand in his way.

But chiefs of the American body will try to tempt the 2010 World Cup final official, who is on a £500,000-a-year contract, with fresh terms if he has a late change of heart in the coming months.

MLS have a board meeting Stateside towards the end of this month.
Riley announced in June he was stepping down from his post after 13 years in charge of the Prem refs.

Despite MLS’s 11th hour offer, Webb is still expected to become the league’s new title of chief refereeing officer.

The PGMOL also plan to appoint a chief operating officer as part of a huge shake-up of refereeing in English football.

As SunSport previously revealed, current chief Mike Riley is set to be axed in December.

A number of top-flight clubs have complained about the standard of officiating and the use of VAR under the 57-year-old’s watch.

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That has left some Prem officials believing Riley’s tenure with the PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials) is coming to an end.

Riley has been in charge of Prem refs since January 2010