Wales referee Ken Wright has been recognised by Guinness World Records as the longest-serving football referee in history after a remarkable career spanning 63 consecutive seasons and more than 5,000 matches.
Wright has officiated in the Swansea Senior League, Welsh League, West Wales Premier League, Football Combination and university football. He has also served as an assistant referee in the League of Wales and Conference.
Ken started his refereeing career in 1964. More than six decades later, the 78-year-old is still taking charge of matches in the Swansea Senior League.
Ken described the achievement as “unbelievable”.
He said: “When you think of the number of countries in the world and the number of referees, I just can’t believe it’s now a fact that I’m the longest serving in the world.
“It’s something you can’t believe in all honesty.
“To be the longest-serving referee in Wales would be an honour, Europe would be an even bigger honour, but when you talk about the whole world, it’s unreal really.”
But remarkably, his first game as a referee in 1964 was almost his last.
“I remember my first game. It was up at Cefn Coed hospital,” Ken told ITV News.
“It was Glantawe vs South Gower, the score was 13-4, and it was an absolutely horrendous day, pouring down with rain and I got soaked.”
He added: “It was a disaster from start to finish. According to the players, I gave offside goals and missed penalties, and to be fair, they were probably justified!”
Ken’s decision not to walk away that day set him on a path that has lasted more than six decades and now taken him into the record books.
“It’s incredible, and it’s a fantastic achievement for our country,” Viv Nedin of the Swansea Referee’s Society said.
“A number of us have been referees for 15 or 20 years, and that seemed like a lifetime to us. Over 60 years is tremendous; I think Wales should be proud of Ken Wright.”
