Collina must drop new sponsor

PIERLUIGI Collina, widely considered the world’s best referee, will not be allowed officiate this season unless he drops his new sponsor.

The 45-year-old official is now sponsored by the same company that sponsors Serie A giants AC Milan and the Italian football federation (FIGC) see that as a conflict of interest.

Collina, who has won the world’s best referee award six times, has been given the ultimatum by FIGC president Franco Carraro.