Sponsored Collina resigns
2005-08-29 14:49
Rome - Pierluigi Collina announced on Monday that he had decided to resign from Italy's referees association, a move that would end his Serie A career.
Collina recently signed a sponsorship deal with car manufacturer Opel, the main sponsor of AC Milan. Soccer officials said the arrangement caused a conflict of interest and ordered Collina to end the arrangement or quit.
Italy's referees association governs all levels of soccer in Italy. If Collina quits, he would be barred from officiating Italian league and cup matches.
Collina acknowledged that was wrong to accept the sponsorship, saying the mistake had ended a 28-year refereeing career.
"Respecting the rules is fundamental for me," Collina said, according to the Ansa news agency. "It was an error. I should have respected the rules. We've all lost in the end.
The Italian Soccer Federation said it was not clear if Collina could continue working European matches. Last week, Collina took charge of a Champions League qualifier between Villarreal and Everton.
Collina, who officiated the 2002 World Cup final, had been granted an exemption to continue refereeing in Italy this season, even though he reached the league's age limit of 45 in February.
"I slept less last night than the eve of the World Cup final," Collina said.
- SAPA