'I was living out my dream career in football – tumours mean I need to leave'
Summary
Dan Robathan, a Premier League and FIFA assistant referee, had to stop his football career after doctors found two benign tumors in his spine. Despite surgery and efforts to recover, ongoing health problems forced him to retire from refereeing at age 38.Key Facts
- Dan Robathan began refereeing football at age 10 and reached the top level, officiating over 200 Premier League games and World Cup qualifiers.
- In May 2025, he officiated the FA Cup final, a major career highlight.
- Later that year, he developed symptoms like pain and bladder issues, which were caused by two benign tumors pressing on nerves in his spine.
- Surgery removed one tumor, but damage and recovery difficulties continued.
- Doctors said he had less than a 10% chance of returning to refereeing, yet Dan initially hoped to prove them wrong.
- By early 2026, he was still struggling with walking and fatigue.
- Dan was forced to medically retire in September 2026 due to his health condition.
- He expresses sadness about losing an identity built over 28 years but hopes to help other men discuss health issues openly.
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