One more year for charismatic Collina

PIERLUIGI COLLINA’S continuation as a Serie A referee was confirmed yesterday when he was included on the officials list for next season.

Collina was set to hang up his whistle after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 45 only for the Italian Football Federation to allow special dispensations to be granted to UEFA’s Elite standard officials.

He will not be able to take charge of European games beyond the end of 2005 but will serve another 12 months in Italy’s top flight.