Premier League referee Michael Oliver has withdrawn from his officiating duties at the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to a minor injury but is expected to return later in the tournament. The Newcastle-based official was originally scheduled to preside over the Group E match between Ivory Coast and Ecuador on June 15.

FIFA confirmed that Oliver has been replaced by French referee François Letexier for the fixture, with Oliver’s assistant referees also withdrawn and substituted. The new officiating team will consist of Letexier, along with Cyril Mugnier and Mehdi Rahmouni, replacing the English officials Stuart Burt and James Mainwaring who were set to run the lines.

Oliver, 41, is a highly experienced official recognized by both FIFA and UEFA. He officiated three matches during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, including the quarter-final between Brazil and Croatia, which Brazil lost on penalties. Over the last season, Oliver oversaw 42 games, 29 of which were in the Premier League. His standing among referees marked him as a potential candidate to referee the final on July 19, contingent on England’s progress in the tournament.

Letexier is also a respected figure with significant recent experience on the international stage. He was the referee for Euro 2024’s final between Spain and England, as well as the Europa League final in May featuring Freiburg and Aston Villa.

FIFA’s statement emphasized that the injury sustained by Oliver was minor and that he is expected to be fit for selection in the upcoming days, suggesting he may return to officiate later rounds of the World Cup. The changes represent a notable reshuffle of officiating personnel ahead of the group stage matches.