In 2015 Pawson was put on the FIFA International Referees List[6] meaning that he can officiate in international fixtures, as well as UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League fixtures as either referee or an additional assistant referee. Pawson became the seventh referee from England on the list.
In May 2019 Pawson officiated the Championship playoff semifinal between Derby County and Leeds United. This was considered an especially high-profile game after the Spygate affair earlier in the season for which Leeds were fined £200,000 and severely reprimanded by the EFL.[9] The game was controversial with Pawson awarding Derby a penalty in the second half, before reversing his decision on the advice of his assistant. Leeds went on to win the game 0–1.[10]
Referee Craig Pawson takes charge of Chelsea v Burnley at Stamford Bridge, August 2017
Pawson stepped down as a FIFA official at the end of December 2024.
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