Collina to continue?
2005-08-30 13:37
Milan - The Association of Italian referees (AIA) is to reject star referee Pierluigi Collina's resignation Il Corriere della Sera reported on Tuesday.
Collina said on Monday that he was resigning over a dispute about an advertising contract.
AIA president Tullio Lanese said he hopes that "Collina would reconsider his decision. In the next days, AIA is going to officially reject his resignation, then we will see what he decides. He could hold on to his contract and remain within AIA without officiating."
Collina was banished to Serie B for signing a lucrative advertising contract with Opel, a car maker that already sponsors Serie A giants AC Milan.
At the weekend, however, he was not given a game to handle in the opening round of matches.
He resigned on Monday after a successful 28-year career during which he was six times voted as the best referee in the world. He said that "without confidence one cannot go on."
Collina said he spoke with Lanese about the contract, which is said to be worth €1m, and thought that the matter was settled.
Lanese, however, said that he expected a written request and that, in any case, AIA rules prohibit that Collina officiate in Serie A.
Franco Carraro, the president of the Italian football federation (FIGC), said he respects "Collina as a man and as a referee, but the rules cannot be changed as one needs."
National team selector Marcello Lippi said he hoped that "Collina can keep on doing his job as he has done very well so far."
- SAPA