Mark Clattenburg has signed to become the Chinese Super League’s referee supremo.
Former Premier League referee Clattenburg, 44, has put pen to paper on a contract to be Head of the Referee Division and Future Development of Referees.
Clattenburg left the Premier League in 2017 where he was regarded as one of the best officials in world football and was also due to be England’s representative at the World Cup last year.
But Clattenburg left to take up a new job in Saudi Arabia where his contract ended in March and has spent the last few weeks negotiating his move to China.
It is a major coup for China at a time when the Premier League has been struggling for top officials.
Clattenburg is due to return to the pitch in China and admitted recently: “I am excited by the challenge.
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"The Chinese Super League has grown markedly in recent years and they want the standard of refereeing to grow with it.
"I'm looking forward to being part of that. You look at the quality of the players, so many in the peak of their career, and it is clear to see the ambition of the league and the clubs within it."
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Clattenburg recently revealed he supported Newcastle after a question from a fan on Twitter .
Responding to a fan on Twitter who asked him to reveal his favourite football club Clattenburg replied: “Newcastle United. The best team in the world!"
He was unable to officiate Newcastle matches during his top-flight career due to association with his local club.
