Pierluigi Collina

Pierluigi Collina is a former professional football referee who retired in 2005 after reaching the mandatory age of 45 for international competition. He studied economics at the University of Bologna, graduating in 1984. He began refereeing in 1977 and progressed through Italian football divisions to Serie A. In 1995 he was added to FIFA's referees list. Career highlights include refereeing the 1996 Olympic Games final, the 1999 UEFA Champions League final between Bayern Munich and Manchester United, the 2002 FIFA World Cup final, and the 2004 UEFA Cup final.