Keith Hackett Defends Michael Oliver as UAE Payment Rumour Swirls
A storm of online speculation erupted after a post claimed a £20,000 UAE Payment to Premier League referee Michael Oliver, prompting former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett Defends Michael Oliver’s integrity in a terse social‑media statement. The allegation centred on a September 2023 match in Sharjah, where Oliver was part of a four‑official delegation.
UAE Pro League payment allegation
The match saw Sharjah face Al‑Ain and featured officials Darren England, Dan Cook and Stuart Burt alongside Oliver. Reports suggest Oliver received £20,000 for the trip, although the payment has never been publicly confirmed.
Keith Hackett, 82, responded fiercely, writing: “Please do not call into question the integrity of Michael Oliver; he is an outstanding referee.” His defence aimed to quell the growing controversy.
Hackett added that the appointment would have been cleared by the PGMOL, stating: “His appointment will have been approved by the PGMOL.” He implied the governing body sanctioned the Middle‑East venture at the time.
Premier League rules bar officials from overseeing clubs they support or their local rivals. Oliver, a Newcastle‑born Magpies supporter, is therefore ineligible to referee Newcastle or Sunderland fixtures – the latter having returned to the top flight in 2025 after an eight‑year absence.
Manchester City, majority‑owned by Abu Dhabi United Group, has often been linked to the story because of the club’s UAE connections. After the club was found guilty of 114 out of 115 financial breaches in its legal battle with the Premier League, conspiracies resurfaced on social media, reigniting the payment narrative.
Calum’s GiveMeSport career
Having taken part in the GiveMeSport Academy in early 2023, Calum joined the team full‑time in June of the same year before moving into the role of editor shortly after. This came after completing a Freelance Journalism course through the British College of Journalism.
He has also produced news content for HITC Sport and Read Liverpool, creating a wide range of sport material for GMS, including news, opinion, features, lists and viral content. His portfolio spans Boxing, Tennis and Wrestling, giving him a broad sporting perspective.