http://www.espnfc.com/english-premier-league/story/3061980/mark-clattenburg-quits-as-premier-league-referee-for-role-in-saudi-arabia

Wow, this is quite unbelievable, or is it? Just part of globalization, going to where the money is? Or perhaps more reasons behind it?

nothing wrong with this imo. at least players are getting paid doing what they enjoy, even though at some point in one's career it becomes more like a job than just playing for fun. but refs run around all game, trying to control players behaviors, tantrum of coaches, and get drilled in the media for every bad call...i say if there's a chance to earn better pay, go for it. mind you a lot of these refs aren't youngsters running around chasing players for 90 minutes. nothing wrong with trying to better one's financial situation.

we can't get surprised at that, its not like they have some allegiance to any club or league that they should stay running after players all over the pitch for less money when there's a better opportunity elsewhere. its a good move, will also help export the game in some way or fashion

Well said, this feels a loss for the European football though, good refs u dont get that often, considering hes better than most and refereed all the major finals last season...

Its a ref

Its ridiculous he is getting money from abroad. Of course he took it. It's not really a loss for anyone except the Saudis wasting all that money.

One thing is clear.

The referees in football are getting far too little money.

It makes no sense that even the bench players get something like 50k a week yet refs get just a few thousand per game.

No wonder players think they can act out - they see themselves as superior and more important as they earn disproportionately more.

And let's not forget the threat of corruption. How does it make sense that in a world of football where hundreds of millions are thrown around constantly, literally billions spent and taken in by the clubs and FAs, everybody earning crazy $$$$ just for being friends with the brother of the agent, the people who are most important for the functioning of a game, and whose independency, committment and clear-mindedness is at the heart of a functioning and fair competition, earn the least money of everyone involved.

It's not strange a referee would go to Saudi Arabia or China for money - for them a raise is actually meaningful.
It's strange for mid 20s players like Teixeira or Oscar who get shit tons of money anyway.

It makes sense. Being a referee is a seriously under-appreciated profession, not only in monetary terms, but in terms of how they're treated by fans, obviously. Even on good days, they don't seem to get as much as a pat on the back by fans, but when they do make mistakes, we want their head on a platter I think the change of scenery will do him good.. as well as the weather upgrade.. and the money upgrade. Yep, I think he'll survive without fish and chips for a little while.

Reminds of the time where I left my ex local kebab shop for a new one because they bought more expensive rat meat.

Reading all of what everyone said, just goes to show how unbalanced it all is, didnt realize refs get so little reward for what they do. I actually feel so different then to when I made the thread, anyone would probably do the same

What makes it so big is he was THE ref last year. Wonder if it will be a bit of a trend also, rich countries coming to raid for refs

i don't know how much they get paid, however its not a loss for european football, not in the slightest. refs have come and gone, nobody pays money to watch the referee, collina left and the game still continued. at the end of the day, players play. nobody pays to watch a referee, nobody pays to watch the coach, its not that deep. even players come and go yet the game continues. he had a good offer and took it, there will always be refs. but running around for 90 minutes non stop for someone in their late 30s early 40s  is too damn much, you better go for better pay if the opportunity comes and stock up on health monitors, pain killers and gym memberships

Spanish referees are the best paid, then come Italian referees. I think French referees are better paid than English EPL referees. Very strange.