Frank Anderson retires from the field to become Manager of Senior Assistant Referees

Frank Anderson has been appointed as PRO’s Manager of Senior Assistant Referees after retiring from the field following 18 years of officiating in MLS, including 11 years serving the FIFA International Panel.

The 2016 MLS Assistant Referee of the Year takes over from Joe Fletcher who has become PRO’s Chief Refereeing Officer. In addition to Fletcher’s promotion, Alan Kelly succeeds new General Manager, Mark Geiger, as Director of Senior Match Officials.

Anderson made his MLS debut in March 2005 when Columbus Crew visited Chivas USA, and he reached the milestone of 300 regular-season MLS games on Decision Day last year when Orlando City hosted Columbus Crew. A week later, he took to the field for the final time when he worked the Round One playoff game between New York Red Bulls and FC Cincinnati.

Alongside his AR of the Year award in 2016, Anderson worked the MLS All-Star Game and his first MLS Cup – his second came when he was assigned again in 2021.

His international highlights saw him officiate at the 2018 men’s FIFA World Cup and the final of the 2018 FIFA Club World Cup, in addition to the second leg of the 2019 Concacaf Champions League Final, 2020 Concacaf Men’s Olympic Qualifying and three Concacaf Gold Cups (2017, 2019 and 2021).

Geiger, PRO’s General Manager, said: “I am delighted to welcome Frank to our management team after a distinguished domestic and international career.

“While we will miss him on the field, his experiences and vast knowledge will be of great value to our senior group, as well as those officials who aspire to reach this level. We are all looking forward to working with him in this capacity.

“I would also like to congratulate Joe and Alan on their new roles. They have had a positive impact on the development of our officials since making the successful transition from the field, and they will have a big role to play as we grow the organization.”