Italy mourns referee Stefano Farina
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
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Italy's former international referee Stefano Farina, who took charge of the 2006 UEFA Super Cup match, has passed away at the age of 54.
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Italian football is mourning the loss of former international referee Stefano Farina, who has passed away at the age of 54.
A distinguished career brought Farina assignments in major European competitions, including the UEFA Champions League, and he was appointed to take charge of the 2006 UEFA Super Cup match between FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC at the Stade Louis II in Monaco.
Born in Ovada in 1962, Stefano Farina took up refereeing at the age of 16. He made his debut in Italy's Serie A in January 1995, and became an international referee in 2001.
He latterly headed Italy’s Serie B referees’ committee. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has asked for a minute’s silence to be observed in memory of Farina at all matches in Italy over the coming days.
Referees will also wear black armbands, along with Italy’s national teams. Italy play San Marino in a senior friendly in Empoli next Wednesday.