By Keith Hackett

20th Apr, 2023 | 8:00am

Liverpool news: Ex-Fifa official 'concerned' about high-profile exit after permission is granted by chiefs

Michael Oliver refereeing in Saudi Arabia just days before taking charge of Nottingham Forest’s clash with Liverpool is a “concern” for the Premier League.

That is the view of ex-Fifa and English top-flight referee Keith Hackett, who was speaking exclusively to Football Insider about a potential full-time move for the “world-class” whistler.

As seen in footage from SSC Sports (18 April), Oliver took charge of the clash between Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr and Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.

The 38-year-old, who was promoted to Uefa’s Elite Group of Referees in 2018, booked Ronaldo during the game.

Oliver is widely considered the best official in the Premier League and was one of two English referees to take charge of a game at the World Cup in Qatar last year (2022).

As well as refereeing Liverpool’s clash with Nottingham Forest, he will also oversee next week’s (26 April) crucial title match-up between Arsenal and Man City.

Hackett told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “He will have sought permission from his boss, Howard Webb – and from the FA.

“Webb himself was in charge of referees in Saudi Arabia for a time, so that link probably helped them out.

“Oliver has done a World Cup, and he’s in line for the next World Cup too – he’s our number one.

“But I’m concerned. Both Webb and Mark Clattenburg went over to the Middle East on a full-time basis.

“There is a risk there of the Premier League losing a world-class referee.”

In other news, Liverpool board approve midfielder contract as box-office deal edges closer.