Collina blows whistle on career

James Whelan

The 45-year-old Serie A official, who refereed the 2002 World Cup final between Brazil and Germany, was told he would only be able to referee Serie B matches unless he dropped his sponsor.

The FIGC gave Collina the ultimatum because he has the same sponsor as Serie A club AC Milan, which they saw as a conflict of interest.

With the FIGC questioning his integrity, Collina decided to call time on his distinguished 28-year career.

“I have slept less these last few nights than on the eve of the World Cup final,” he said at a press conference in his home town of Viareggio in Tuscany.

“For me it wouldn’t have been a problem to referee in Serie B, but either they (the FIGC) have faith in us referees or they don’t.

“If they don’t, then we have to go. Without trust we cannot move forward.”

Collina, who has won the world’s best referee award six times, reached the retirement age for Italian referees this year.

However, the FIGC allowed him to carry on for another season because of his excellent reputation.

He was due to officiate in the Champions League this season but was ruled out of the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Instantly recognisable for his bald head and bulging eyes, Collina is a celebrity in his own right in Italy, often appearing on television shows and advertisements.