Collina to resign from Italy's referees association

**Drogstar** · 29/08/2005, 1:07 PM

ROME, Italy (Reuters) -- Pierluigi Collina, the famous bald official who took charge of the 2002 World Cup final between Brazil and Germany, has called time on his career after quitting the Italian Association of Referees (AIA).

Collina had been accused by the AIA of a conflict of interest after he accepted an 800,000 euros ($985,900) per year sponsorship deal from car makers Opel, who also back AC Milan.

"After 28 years I've decided to hand in my resignation to AIA," Collina was quoted as saying Monday by the Italian news agency ANSA.

"I can't help it. People must believe in a referee. In the end, we have all lost out," he told a news conference in his home town of Viareggio.

Collina's decision to quit brought to an end a career that turned him into one of the most recognizable figures in world football.

With his loping stride and pop-eyed stare, the Italian enjoyed a reputation for quick, accurate decision-making.

Collina possessed an authoritarian streak that won the respect of players, coaches and fans.

Had it not been for the intervention of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) at the end of last season, Collina would already have been in retirement.

He turned 45 in February, the age at which referees are obliged to hang up their whistles, but the FIGC changed the rules to give him one more year in the job.

Special talent
It was a recognition of his special talent.

Five times voted World Referee of the Year, Collina's finest hour came when he took charge of the 2002 World Cup final.

He also directed a string of high-profile matches like Manchester United's dramatic 2-1 win over Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final and England's 5-1 hammering of Germany in a World Cup qualifier in 2001.

Collina enjoyed the perks of fame, including modeling designer clothes, advertising fried octopus and cheese and even appearing in cartoon form in the video to the George Michael single Shoot the Dog.

His book, The Rules of the Game, became one of the best-selling tomes written about the referee's craft.

What now lies ahead for the Italian is uncertain. The vice-chairman of the English Football Association, David Dein, has spoken in the past about luring him to work in the Premier League.

On Monday, however, a visibly emotional Collina gave no hint of his future plans and appeared stung that his spotless career should end with his credibility being brought into doubt.

Copyright 2005 Reuters. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

**carrickharp** · 29/08/2005, 1:07 PM

Pierluigi Collina, arguably soccer's most recognizable referee, is quitting Italy's referees association over a sponsorship issue.

Collina recently signed a sponsorship deal with car manufacturer Opel, the main sponsor of AC Milan. Soccer officials said the arrangement caused a conflict of interest and ordered Collina to end the deal or quit.

The move will end his Serie A career, although the Italian Soccer Federation said it wasn't clear if Collina can continue working European matches. Italy's referees association governs all levels of soccer in Italy.

Collina, recognizable for his bald head, acknowledged that he was wrong to accept the sponsorship, saying the mistake had ended a 28-year refereeing career.

"Respecting the rules is fundamental for me," Collina said, according to the ANSA news agency. "It was an error. I should have respected the rules."

Collina has officiated four finals in top international competition: the 1996 Olympics, the 1998-99 Champions League, the 2002 World Cup and last season's UEFA Cup.

Collina had been granted an exemption to continue refereeing in Italy this season, even though he reached the league's age limit of 45 in February.

"I slept less last night than the eve of the World Cup final," Collina said.

Collina considered a proposal that he referee only second-division games this season, but said that would not be an adequate solution.

"The problem is if you believe in the referees or not. Without faith in the referee, it's useless to go forward," he said.

Collina was also the subject of a spat at the 2002 World Cup, when he appeared in an advertisement for German sportswear manufacturer Adidas. He then took charge of the final between Adidas-sponsored Germany and Nike-sponsored Brazil.

"A business can sponsor my shoes, never my conscience," Collina said at the time.

Last week, Collina took charge of a Champions League qualifier between Villarreal and Everton. He denied a late goal by Everton, earning the English side's ire.

© The Canadian Press 2005

**sligoman** · 29/08/2005, 1:18 PM

Sorry to hear that. He was, without a doubt, the best ref in the world!

**Dyl10** · 29/08/2005, 1:29 PM

He was good but he was no anders frisk

**anto1208** · 29/08/2005, 2:58 PM

about a week too late after his discrassfull refering in the villa real game that cost everton a fair shot at champ league

**carrickharp** · 29/08/2005, 3:00 PM

Originally Posted by anto1208

about a week too late after his discrassfull refering in the villa real game that cost everton a fair shot at champ league

Seen the game on Setanta very bad call.

**sligoman** · 29/08/2005, 4:08 PM

Originally Posted by anto1208

about a week too late after his discrassfull refering in the villa real game that cost everton a fair shot at champ league

So your going to mark him as a bad ref cos of one bad decision then? Plus, Everton having a shot at the champs league? Your having a laugh.

**gustavo** · 29/08/2005, 4:15 PM

Originally Posted by sligoman

Your having a laugh.

where did this expression come out of? its becoming increasingly prevalent on this site

i always imagine that it doesnt sound right unless spoken with a thick cockney accent

**sligoman** · 29/08/2005, 4:24 PM

Originally Posted by gustavo

where did this expression come out of? its becoming increasingly prevalent on this site

i always imagine that it doesnt sound right unless spoken with a thick cockney accent

What's wrong with you now Gus

. Your having a laugh is a common expression. Remember, top of the league your having a laugh,

**geysir** · 29/08/2005, 7:27 PM

Originally Posted by sligoman

So your going to mark him as a bad ref cos of one bad decision then?

Are you asking or just mindreading? He wrote that the retirement came a week too late for Everton. You both appear to agree that it was a bad refereeing decision.
Any good headlines?
"Collina's last card".
"Collina gives himself the straight red".
or in the Eve.Herald "Collina admits bribery scandal"
Liverpool Echo "Collina's final shame"

**CollegeTillIDie** · 30/08/2005, 11:11 PM

Originally Posted by geysir

Are you asking or just mindreading? He wrote that the retirement came a week too late for Everton. You both appear to agree that it was a bad refereeing decision.
Any good headlines?
"Collina's last card".
"Collina gives himself the straight red".
or in the Eve.Herald "Collina admits bribery scandal"
Liverpool Echo "Collina's final shame"

So why has the Italian Referees Association got a motion from their executive committee, on the agenda of their forthcoming meeting, refusing to accept his resignation/retirement?