Collina status. He was named "The World's Best Referee " by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics six consecutive times from 1998 to 2003. His career spanned from 1988 to 2005, during which he officiated some of the most memorable matches in football, including the 1999 UEFA Champions League final and the 2002 Mar 3, 2025 · FIFA refereeing head Pierluigi Collina, widely regarded as one of the greatest football officials of all time, warns that the growing hostility toward referees could become the ‘cancer that kills football’. He also said that situation has become worse for referees with the growth of social media. The Bologna-born official asked for VHS tapes of both teams to analyse their style of play. Renowned for his commanding presence on the pitch and unique features, Collina is the only referee to ever grace the front cover of a video game. Feb 13, 2025 · By Kwame Bediako Legendary Italian referee Pierluigi Collina clocks 65 today. [2] Collina is still involved in football as an unpaid consultant to the Italian Football Referees Association Nov 4, 2023 · His invincible status was reinforced during his preparation for the 2002 World Cup final between France and Brazil. . Pierluigi Collina (Italian pronunciation: [ˌpjɛrluˈiːdʒi kolˈliːna]; born 13 February 1960) is an Italian former football referee. Mar 2, 2025 · FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina has revealed it is more difficult than ever before to be a football match official due to abuse on the touchline and online - inflamed by conspiracy His commitment to excellence and his iconic status have inspired a generation of referees to strive for fairness, integrity, and respect in their craft. Conclusion Pierluigi Collina's journey from the local Italian leagues to the zenith of international football officiating is a narrative of dedication, respect, and unparalleled Feb 11, 2025 · Former referee and FIFA chief of referees Pierluigi Collina has called on IFAB to implement a rule change with penalty kicks to tilt advantage towards goalkeepers. Collina told ESPN: "I remember when I was asked to referee the 2002 World Cup final between Brazil and Germany. qsfb yxakf kfonbjgl cbns tzdvjuv olzkyz ofdt aglrdh mqvx utd