Pierluigi Collina looks to simplify the rules for referees

Pierluigi Collina has probably been the most influential referee in world football, and certainly the most recognisable. Now Uefa’s man in charge of the men in charge, he has been explaining the challenges facing match officials as the Champions League and Europa League reach the knockout stage.

The job is becoming ever more difficult because of tactical changes, says Collina, and he believes there is a need to simplify and clarify some of the rules.

Uefa began the season with a panel of 90 officials, which this week is reduced to 53, of whom 21 are in the ‘elite’ group designated for the Champions League. Selection is based on performance and nationality, but Collina says at this stage, match fitness is also important. This is one reason why we’ll see Martin Atkinson and Mark Clattenburg and their assistants in tomorrow night’s games.