Collina resigned to retirement date

Pierluigi Collina may be the world’s first superstar referee but he is resigned to having to hang up his whistle in the summer of 2005.

The Italian, who handled the 2002 World Cup final between Brazil and Germany, admits he will have no choice but to quit when he passes the official Italian retirement age of 45 at the end of next season.

Recognisable even outside the football world because of his bald head and piercing eyes, Collina has six times been voted the best official on the planet and has appeared in adverts, pop videos and at other showbiz events.

He was even voted Italy’s sexiest man and has appeared on the catwalk in Milan fashion week.

“In June of next year when I am 45 I will stop refereeing, in accordance with the rules,” said Collina.

He added: “Some footballers have given great examples in continuing to play at the top level, even at unbelievable ages, but I must stop.

“But we referees are governed by laws.”

Collina has handled some of the world’s highest profile games and once Italy were eliminated he was a natural choice to officiate in the World Cup final.

He also handled the epic 1999 Champions League final between Manchester United and Bayern Munich at the Nou Camp and England’s memorable 5-1 thrashing of Germany in Munich in a World Cup qualifier.