Mark Clattenburg set to return to refereeing in the Chinese Super League

Mark Clattenburg will return to full-time refereeing in the Chinese Super League from March 1, Sportsmail can reveal.

The English official has finished a two-year stay as director of refereeing in Saudi Arabia and has accepted an offer from the Chinese Football Association.

He will be one of five professional referees in the CSL from next month, including Serbian Milorad Mazic.

Mark Clattenburg will return to full-time refereeing in the Chinese Super League from March 1

We understand the move could open doors for foreign officials to take charge of matches in domestic competitions beyond their own country.

Clattenburg is joining the likes of former Premier League stars Oscar, Marouane Fellaini, Mousa Dembele and Ramires in the fast-emerging Chinese top flight.

The 43-year-old presided over both the Champions League and European Championships finals in 2016 and he was the Premier League’s top referee when he quit two years ago and moved to Saudi.

Clattenburg has a wealth of experience, from both English football and international level

And he told Sportsmail: ‘I’m excited by the new challenge. The Chinese Super League has grown markedly in recent years and they want the standard of refereeing to grow with it. I’m looking forward to being part of that.

‘You look at the quality of the players, so many in the peak of their career, and it is clear to see the ambition of the league and the clubs within it.’