Legendary first non-UK world championship referee Jan Verhaas ‘at peace’ with decision to end 35-year career
Published 15/08/2025 at 12:53 GMT+1
Jan Verhaas has called time on his post as a snooker referee following a trailblazing career. The 58-year-old was continuously a man for the big occasion, officiating some of snooker's biggest matches. The Dutchman will now step out of the limelight, but will still remain very active in the sport, helping to bring through the younger generation of upcoming referees.
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Legendary snooker referee Jan Verhaas has announced his retirement after an incredible 35-year career managing on the professional tour.
Verhaas calls it a day after taking charge of six world championship finals, and holds the proud honour of being the first referee from outside of the UK to officiate the match.
He achieved that milestone in 2003, before being chosen to referee the sport's biggest match again in 2008, 2011, 2013 and 2017.
The 58-year-old also refereed the Masters final on eight occasions and the UK Championship final another four times.
Fittingly, Verhaas' final match as referee featured seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan in his second round clash against Pang Junxu at the Crucible earlier this year.
The Dutchman announced the news via his social media channels on Friday morning, and in a statement published by the WST and WPBSA, spoke about his desire to focus on his role helping to bring through the next generation of referees.
He said: "After the journey I have had across 35 years it wasn’t an easy decision, but I think it’s the right one and I’m at peace with it.
"I am looking forward to the future ahead and looking back at the past with great memories.
"I will still be developing and assessing referees all over the world, working alongside the other assessors. It gives me enormous pride to help the younger referees to come through the ranks."
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Of all the incredible moments from the Dutchman's career, Verhaas explained that the 2003 world championship final was his highlight.
"My first world final in 2003 was a dream come true, that’s the same for any referee," he revealed.
"It was nerve-racking, but I look back on that as a real achievement. It has been a fantastic career, I loved the big occasions and the big finals."
Meanwhile, WPBSA chairman and WST director Jason Ferguson paid tribute to Verhaas and added: "We congratulate Jan on an outstanding career as a referee and we look forward to continuing to work with him on the tour, hopefully for many years to come."
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