Keith Hackett Defends Michael Oliver’s ‘Integrity’ After Alleged UAE Payment

· GiveMeSport

Michael Oliver's 2023 trip to the United Arab Emirates has resurfaced after Manchester City's guilty verdict.

Former PGMOL boss Keith Hackett has had his say on Michael Oliver as a referee after he was paid £20,000 to officiate a UAE Pro League match in September 2023.

Oliver was part of a four-man group of Premier League officials who made the trip over to the Middle East for the game. Darren England, Dan Cook and Stuart Burt made up the English quartet for Sharjah's match against Al-Ain.

As compensation for his trip, Oliver was allegedly paid £20,000, although this has never been publicly confirmed. Manchester City are majority-owned by Abu Dhabi United Group, meaning many have often made a link between Oliver and the club ever since his UAE payday.

After the news broke that Man City had been found guilty of 114 out of 115 financial breaches in their legal battle with the Premier League, the conspiracies have appeared on social media once again.

In the wake of the reported guilty verdict, a post claimed: > "PL referee Michael Oliver was paid £20,000 to officiate a UAE Pro League match in Abu Dhabi in September 2023. The PGMOL approved the trip. The league is owned by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), which is state-owned. They're all in it together."

Former head of the PGMOL, Keith Hackett, has given his strong opinion on Oliver in response. Hackett, 82, claimed that the Newcastle -born official is 'an outstanding referee' and that his integrity should not be questioned:

> "Please do not call into question the integrity of Michael Oliver; he is an outstanding referee."

There have been some calls for the Premier League to look into Oliver's trip to the UAE and alleged money that changed hands. However, Hackett suggested the PGMOL would've approved the Middle East venture at the time.

He followed up with another post, saying: > "His appointment will have been approved by the PGMOL."

Premier League rules prevent officials from taking charge of games that involve either the club they support or that team's local rivals. Oliver, born in Newcastle, is a long-term supporter of the Magpies, meaning he is disqualified from refereeing their matches .

Premier League referees including Jarred Gillet and Michael Oliver are banned from taking charge of certain teams' matches.

It also rules him out of contention for fixtures featuring Sunderland. The Black Cats were out of the top-flight for eight years before securing promotion in 2025.

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